First published 172 years ago, Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre just keeps haunting readers — and audiences and creatives. As well as inspiring many a night thumbing through the novel's pages, the gothic classic has sparked many an inventive stage and screen adaptation. They include all the obvious, faithful interpretations, plus 1940s horror films and even the book behind one of Alfred Hitchcock's psychological thrillers.
At QPAC until Saturday, November 9, the latest version of Jane Eyre is playing out in the Cremorne Theatre under the guidance of Shake & Stir. If you liked the theatre company's take on Dracula, then you'll want to see them take on another beloved story in their own way — complete with original music not only written by The Superjesus' Sarah McLeod, but performed live on stage during the play.
Starring Shake & Stir's co-artistic director Nelle Lee as Jane, the production delves into a moody coming-of-age tale as the orphaned titular character tries to fight against the social constraints of the time and find her way in the world. Securing a job at Thornfield Hall, she's drawn to its resident, Edward Rochester — a bond that causes plenty of secrets to spill out into the open.