Since first appearing in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet, Sherlock Holmes has surely become the world’s most famous fictional detective. Eccentric but brilliant, the sleuth remains eminently popular 129 years after his creation.
Recent interpretations have ranged from Robert Downey Jr.’s jacked action flick to Benedict Cumberbatch’s wildly popular modernization. But the latest to take on the character is the acclaimed Chapterhouse Theatre, which brings its version of The Hound of Baskervilles to Guangzhou (Nov 2-3 @ Xinghai Concert Hall) and Shanghai (Nov 5-6 @ Lyceum Theatre.)
“I have a personal passion for Sherlock Holmes which goes back to my youth,” explains the theater group’s Artistic Director Richard Main. “I remember sitting with my father watching old black and white films and then later, in college, I used to follow [English Actor] Jeremy Brett who gave a wonderful interpretation.
“When we first toured Sherlock Holmes in 2013, I wasn’t sure whether it was going to work or not,” Main admits. “However, it’s proved to be a huge success. We have gone on to do a number of successful interpretations and new stories including The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes, so hopefully we have become part of the continuing interest in the Victorian detective.”
Named by Sherlock fans as the top Holmes novel, Baskervilles was “the obvious starting point,” Main says, “as the title holds an empirical value in British literature.”
Unlike the hit BBC version, Chapterhouse Theater’s adaptation of the case retains its original Victorian setting. But Main explains that award-winning writer Laura Turner’s script rectifies the original’s lack of central female characters.
“We have taken the opportunity to actually allow the Baskervilles protagonist to be female in the story,” he says. “The threat is the same, but it certainly gives an opportunity to explore different reasons why the murderous characters carry out their schemes.”
“We have also included [Sherlock’s constant running mate] Dr. Watson’s wife who, unbeknownst to her, has been brought to the moors on the false pretense of being on her honeymoon, while actually being involved in solving a crime.”
While recent interpretations have also altered some core details – such as Elementary’s casting of Lucy Liu as Watson and Sir Ian McKellan’s portrayal of the detective as a retiree in Mr. Holmes – the Chapterhouse producer points out that all of the adaptations hinge on strong portrayals of the titular character.
“The most important thing about recreating the role of Sherlock is not to have an actor who simply wears the lines, but [one who] brings with them an individuality and strength from his own character,” he explains.
“There aren’t many theatrical characters who are more important than the title of the play or film. Benedict Cumberbatch is a very good actor, but there is something about his own eccentricity which also exudes from his performance. If anything, I would expect an actor to bring an unspoken intelligence and an outside-ness from everything around him.”
While Main is reluctant to divulge the details of his production, he promises that the mainland tour will allow the company “to use lights and effects to create the atmosphere of confinement and threat” so crucial to the story’s supernatural elements.
With plans already underway to return to China with an adaptation of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights next year, Main has high hopes that the company will increase its presence in China.
“We are hoping that The Hound of Baskervilles will be an incredible success in China,” he adds. “And we are hoping to bring a series of Sherlock productions to you.”
Guangzhou: Nov 2-3, 7.30pm, RMB100-320. Xinghai Concert Hall - Chamber Hall.
Shanghai: Nov 5-6, 7.30pm (2pm show on Sun), RMB80-380. Lyceum Theatre, see event listing.
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