‘Eyre’ Veers From Bronte’s World

In 1847, Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel “Jane Eyre” was considered somewhat scandalous for its portrayal of improper conduct between Jane and Mr. Rochester. How times have changed. Bronte’s plotting has become bastardized into an industry of bodice-ripping publications of little literary worth. Modern times permit the action to venture into more explicitly questionable conduct.

How does one treat what might be considered the mother novel of the Gothic romance genre without appearing dated? In her one-woman show at Back Parlour Theatre, Lisa Hayes unhappily plunges into a straightforward, lighthearted approach that might have been more appropriate for a Dickens tale or a budget romance novel. Here, stripped of the gloominess of the moors and the odd enigma of dangerous maleness, the play becomes more Harlequin romance than a study of sexual repression.

Hayes’ Mr. Rochester is a swaggering hero of obvious intent, strangely reminiscent of Takarazuka heroes, yet never a threatening presence. Her villains--such as Blanche Ingram and St. John Rivers--share a high sing-song intonation, representing perhaps either high snobbery or high society or both.

Hayes misses by a mile the nuances of class that Bronte railed against, but one wonders what the still class-conscious British thought of this curious American during her British tour.

* “Jane Eyre,” Back Parlour Theatre, Kindness of Strangers Coffeehouse, 4378 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m. Ends March 1. $12. 213) 466-1767. Running time: 1 hour, 35 minutes.