What a beautiful night of theatre.
Fernando Krapp Wrote Me This Letter, by Tankred Dorst, and translated and directed by Matthew Jocelyn, may be a mouthfull of a title, but is a production of restraint, with the elegance that might be attributed (in other contexts) to a of mathematic proof. It is so succinct that summary must fall short, but I will try to set the premise.
Julia, the most beautiful woman in the land, is courted by and marries Fernando Krapp, a man of great means and confidence. Though living a life in which her every desire is granted, she cannot help but question the nature (and presence) of her husband's love for her. Meanwhile, a local Count, also attracted to Julia, and frequently cuckolded at home, feeds her doubts, while proclaiming his love.
From this simple setting derives a production that beautifully explores love, expectation, and relationships.
The program notes indicate that Borst's works are often placed alongside those of Ionesco and Beckett. I agree with this. The dialog does not hide its artifice, and the characters are all larger than life. Still, they draw you into their world quickly and fully. Within 10 minutes I was engaged, and by the show's climax, I was transfixed. This is a play of moments, touching, intense, and satisfying.
Ngozi Paul, as Julia, strikes a perfect balance between the artificiality of the language, and the depth of emotion that it conveys. Her journey through doubt to confidence is a joy to watch. Ashley Wright, as Farnando, breathes casual ease into the enigmatic character. Walter Borden, as The Father, makes the more than the most of his relatively smaller role. Think of Erroneus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, his interruptions of the scenes being memorable without stealing focus, enriching rather than detracting from the whole. Finally, Ryan Hollyman brings a fervent energy and physicality to his role as the overly and overtly emotional Count.
Well written, well translated, well staged, well lit, and well acted, if this show is any indication of what the upcoming season holds, I am tremendously glad to have tickets!
Fernando Krapp Wrote Me This Letter, by Tankred Dorst, and translated and directed by Matthew Jocelyn, may be a mouthfull of a title, but is a production of restraint, with the elegance that might be attributed (in other contexts) to a of mathematic proof. It is so succinct that summary must fall short, but I will try to set the premise.
Julia, the most beautiful woman in the land, is courted by and marries Fernando Krapp, a man of great means and confidence. Though living a life in which her every desire is granted, she cannot help but question the nature (and presence) of her husband's love for her. Meanwhile, a local Count, also attracted to Julia, and frequently cuckolded at home, feeds her doubts, while proclaiming his love.
From this simple setting derives a production that beautifully explores love, expectation, and relationships.
The program notes indicate that Borst's works are often placed alongside those of Ionesco and Beckett. I agree with this. The dialog does not hide its artifice, and the characters are all larger than life. Still, they draw you into their world quickly and fully. Within 10 minutes I was engaged, and by the show's climax, I was transfixed. This is a play of moments, touching, intense, and satisfying.
Ngozi Paul, as Julia, strikes a perfect balance between the artificiality of the language, and the depth of emotion that it conveys. Her journey through doubt to confidence is a joy to watch. Ashley Wright, as Farnando, breathes casual ease into the enigmatic character. Walter Borden, as The Father, makes the more than the most of his relatively smaller role. Think of Erroneus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, his interruptions of the scenes being memorable without stealing focus, enriching rather than detracting from the whole. Finally, Ryan Hollyman brings a fervent energy and physicality to his role as the overly and overtly emotional Count.
Well written, well translated, well staged, well lit, and well acted, if this show is any indication of what the upcoming season holds, I am tremendously glad to have tickets!