Looking back at Zoë's appearances in the late director Howard Davies' award-winning shows

26 October 2016 21:51

Howard Davies, the acclaimed director with whom Zoë worked extensively at the RSC, National Theatre and elsewhere, has sadly died at the age of 71.

From the 1970s onwards, Zoë collaborated with Davies on a number of unforgettable, highly successful productions.

Below are some highlights.

Piaf (1978-81)

This was the first time that Pam Gems' powerful dramatisation of legendary French songstress Edith Piaf's troubled life had been staged. With Davies directing, Piaf played to audiences on both sides of the Atlantic and gave Zoë her US theatrical debut.

Zoë appeared in the production as Toine, feisty best friend to Jane Lapotaire's Piaf. The Times remarked that they made 'a splendidly pugnacious double act'.

The Crucible (1990)

Davies directed Zoë (who played Elizabeth Proctor) in what The Stage called a 'splendid' revival of Arthur Miller's famous allegory of McCarthyism. The production was presented in honour of the 75th birthday of its playwright.

The Independent noted that as The Crucible's community was slowly torn apart by fear and suspicion during the Salem witch trials, Zoë excelled at demonstrating 'the desiccated, disconsolate dignity of Elizabeth'.

All My Sons (2010)

When Zoë performed another masterpiece by Arthur Miller, Davies was again the director. Zoë appeared on stage with David Suchet as the troubled Kellers, whose beloved eldest son is thought to have been killed during the Second World War.

For the Telegraph, Davies' revival of All My Sons was 'a stunning production of a modern classic'. The show's run was extended, and it was showered with awards. Davies won the 2010 Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Director (for All My Sons and another acclaimed production, The White Guard). Zoë was named Best Actress in a Play at the Whatsonstage.com Awards, while Suchet received the Best Actor award.

The production was filmed and is available to watch online via Digital Theatre.

The Cherry Orchard (2011)

Davies' production of Chekhov's tragic play saw Zoë portray Russian aristocrat Ranyevskaya, who can't – or won't – acknowledge the danger in which she finds herself.

Both Zoë and the director took part in a short video about acting in The Cherry Orchard, as well as the advantages and challenges of Chekhov's work. Davies noted that 'you have to be forensic in the way that you approach plays and characters'.

The production was broadcast live in cinemas around the world as part of the 2011 National Theatre Live season.

For images from The Cherry Orchard and some of Davies' other National Theatre productions, see the NT's photographic tribute.

Death of a Salesman (2015)

When Zoë worked again with Davies and Suchet on another Miller classic, Death of a Salesman, the Radio Times called the trio 'the ''dream team''' in light of their previous success.

Davies directed the compelling play for BBC Radio 3, marking Miller's centenary. Zoë portrayed Linda Loman, loyal wife to disenchanted Willy (played by Suchet).

Discussing the production in the Radio Times, Zoë remarked that 'It's such a joy to be working again with David and Howard, both of whom I'm extremely in tune with.'

Fantastic Portrait in Celebration of Friendship

In the early 1990s, Zoë was photographed with Davies as part of a series of portraits by talented photographer Jillian Edelstein. The aim was to celebrate friendship.

The stunning black-and-white photo appeared in a magazine feature, alongside Zoë's comments about working with the director.

'He enjoys subtlety and seems to see the same tiny details that give me a tightrope of thought,' she emphasised.

Thanks to Karoline for the link to the National TheatreÂ’s photos.

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