Based on the Strauss-Kahn case in New York 2011, a small and talented cast enact the possible events that might have followed after the initial alleged assault and before the start of the court proceedings.
The play is not meant to be a factual account of the events (especially since facts were never legally established). It is merely a story inspired by the case and a hypothesis of what might have happened, or an exposition of these kind of cases where the powerful exploit the system. Most importantly, it explores the moral and practical issues surrounding a case where the scales are so unbalanced: a chambermaid of an ethnic minority versus a rich and powerful Frenchman. The play avoids dwelling on the more sensational aspects, focusing rather on the attitudes and feelings of those involved. The characters have different names, Chataigne as the rich Frenchman and Hermione St. Cloud as the hotel maid.
This is a brave play to produce given the delicate topic that came to international attention. The cast are magnificently believable, not quite shallow caricatures but still recognisable personality types: the headstrong arrogance of millionaire Madame Chataigne and her bitingly cold condescension; the self-delusional haughtiness of her husband; the lawyers exactly as if they had stepped out from the pages of a John Grisham novel, and the courageous yet fragile St. Cloud. Each actor is perfectly cast and gives a shining performance. Sally Knyvette and Seamus Newham (Madame Chataigne and her lawyer respectively) toe the line between darkly comical and realistically detestable.
The script is excellent, delivering quotable aphorisms and cynical truths in simple poetic nuggets. It it so easy to become totally absorbed in the play that it's ending came as a bit of a shock, as the audience were left wanting to know what happens next. Presidential Suite is no rose-tinted fairy tale, but a moving, uplifting and challenging piece of theatre.
