the MAINE
CAMPUS
Truth, consequences and straight up lies
By Tessa Riess
Penobscot Theatre carries 'Betrayal' with first class and a simple
set
–
“An altogether riveting
performance that leaves the audience questioning love, life and the
pursuit of happiness”
Lies and their consequences have never
been portrayed so well as in Harold Pinter's "Betrayal," currently being
shown at the Penobscot Theatre Company in Bangor.
Set in contemporary London, the story is
of a tragic love triangle between Robert, his wife Emma and his best
friend Jerry, who is also Emma's lover.
Told in reverse time, off-hand remarks
and straight-up lies reveal more about the affair and the people
involved than direct statements in chronological order ever could. By
feeding the audience scenes that threaten to destroy a marriage and a
close friendship backwards, the actors create a common theme with a
twist.
Director Gregg W. Brevoort uses three
accomplished actors to capture the emotions and feelings of the
characters in the play.
Rita Rhen, in her Maine debut,
brilliantly portrays Emma, a woman torn between two different kinds of
love.
Patrick Dizney, also making his first
Maine appearance, plays Jerry who is caught up trying to balance his
lover and his best friend.
David Sitler, as Robert, is being fouled
by the two and conquers the emotions of his character throughout the
ordeal.
All three actors work with the confines
of the clever script to create a powerful and ultimately eye-opening
look at the inside of a modern-day love affair.
The props for the performance are
masterfully used and are only slightly altered for each scene.
With contrast lighting to set the mood,
the audience is completely aware that each subtle change signifies an
entirely different set and continues to be completely enthralled in the
saga.
"Betrayal" first premiered at the
National Theater in London in 1978. Playwright Harold Pinter was born in
a working-class neighborhood in London in 1930. He studied acting at the
Royal Academy of Dramatic arts, going on to write numerous full-length
plays and screenplays.
The staff of "Betrayal" collaborates to
produce an altogether riveting performance that leaves the audience
questioning love, life and the pursuit of happiness.
The play will be showing until April 21.
Penobscot Theatre Company is located on
183 Main in downtown Bangor. For information call the box office at
(207) 942-3333. Discounts are available for students, educators, seniors
and military personnel.
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