“The Dog in the Manger,” written by Spain’s Lope de Vega in 1613, refers to an Aesop fable in which a dog lies down in a manger full of hay. When a cow comes to eat, the dog barks ferociously, refusing to let the cow approach, implying that some creatures will keep others from enjoying what they themselves don’t want.
In the Shakespeare Theatre’s “Dog in the Manger,” the countess Diana (Michelle Hurd) sees a man fleeing her home one night, then finds out it was her own secretary, Teodoro (Michael Hayden), come to woo her lady-in-waiting, Marcela (Miriam Silverman). Diana suddenly realizes that she too is attracted to Teodoro, but knows that the difference in their social status prohibits a liaison. Still, her attraction to Teodoro makes her forbid his marriage to Marcela.
Translator David Johnston skillfully illuminates the extreme conflict of love and honor in “Dog in the Manger,” staying true to de Vega’s sparkling, lyrical poetry as well as to the darker aspects of this romantic intrigue.
Jonathan Munby directs the play at a fast pace, keeping the back-and-forth action of Diana’s and Teodoro’s emotions credible. Whether his countess and her secretary are frosty or hot, they come across as real human beings, torn by the intense collision of their passions. The rough waters of Diana’s and Teodoro’s desires cause ripple effects throughout other relationships; Munby smoothly guides his talented ensemble through them.
Delightful low comedy is provided by Teodoro’s servant Tristan (David Turner) and Diana’s suitors: the foppish Marquis Ricardo (Jonathan Hammond) and the gluttonous Count Federico (John Rolle).
Alexander Dodge’s set (dark, floor-to-ceiling latticed panels suggestive of Andalusian architecture) cleverly provides doors to outer rooms. The costumes, by Linda Cho, mingle elegant 17th century farthingales and ruffles and use color to imply emotional states.
Richard Martinez’s entrancing music binds this production together. His delicate airs, sung by Julie Craig, and rousing courtly dances — stunningly choreographed by Daniel Pelzig — emphasize the twin themes of this “Dog in the Manger”: fear of love lost and celebration of love found.
If you go
“The Dog in the Manger” by Lope de Vega
Where: The Shakespeare Theatre, Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday, 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; through March 29
Info: $35.50 to $79.75; 202-547-1122, shakespeare-theatre.org
