The Monocle Review: A Sultry Tribute to Paris's Secret 1920s Lesbian Club
Le Monocle, a famed lesbian club opened by Lulu de Montparnasse in 1920s Paris, served as a rare haven where lesbians could live and love freely. Marlene Dietrich visited, and Edith Piaf's mother sang in the cabaret, making it a legendary spot in Sapphic history. Now, Rendez-Vous Dance's latest show, performed at The Corn Exchange in Newbury, tells this secret story with a blend of quirky, characterful dances and understated charisma.
Building an Atmospheric World
The production begins with the clientele arriving in sequins or suits, set to the rich honey voice of jazz singer Imogen Banks, whose understated charisma anchors the performance. Banks and BSL interpreter Caroline Ryan seamlessly integrate into the cast, while James Keane's atmospheric score and choreographer Mathieu Geffré's direction create a immersive world. It starts with a Kit Kat club vibe before transitioning into low-lit wooziness, where bodies melt together in fluid, sultry movements.
Exploring Identity and Fluidity
One standout moment features a woman in a sailor suit performing a quirky-limbed, characterful dance in the spotlight, while another binds her breasts to the song Mon Homme (My Man). The dancers don moustaches and mimic chivalrous gestures, both mocking masculinity and delighting in the cosplay. The fluidity of identity is central, reflected in dance styles that range from louche and drunkenly lurching to meticulous, playful, or sultry.
Threat and Historical Context
However, the revelry is abruptly ruptured by a sudden thunderous intrusion—terror clad in a black trenchcoat, presumably symbolising the Nazis, whose occupation forced the club to close in 1941. This threat rumbles throughout, adding a layer of tension to the celebration. Geffré's previous hit, What Songs May Do..., which portrayed queer love set to Nina Simone at the 2024 Edinburgh fringe, set a high bar. In comparison, The Monocle struggles slightly with character depth and momentum, occasionally stalling in its arcs.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The dancers could squeeze more juice out of their movements and connections, such as in the romantic duet that closes the first half, which lacks convincing emotional depth. Despite this, the show excels in its great idea, originality, and uncovering of a lesser-known historical story. It explores female partnering with a tangible, celebratory sense of community, bringing a moment in time back to life through history, songs, and vibrant choreography.
On tour until 6 March, The Monocle offers a compelling, if imperfect, tribute to Paris's secret Sapphic society, worth experiencing for its sultry celebration and historical insight.
