Review: The Lover (Soul Theatre)

  
  
The Lover 

Written by Harold Pinter  
Directed by Paul Wagar
at A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells (map)
thru July 15  |  tickets: $10-$20   |  more info
  
Check for half-price tickets 
  
  
   Read entire review
  

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Pinter masters the art of the mind game

Soul Theatre presents

The Lover

Review by K.D. Hopkins

Are psycho-sexual games a part of human evolution? That is a question that runs through my mind as I reflect on Harold Pinter‘s The Lover, where we are invited into the intimate workings of a marriage now on the rocks. Or is it?

The characters of Sarah and Richard engage in a pugilistic banter. Richard is played by Mick Weber with equal parts menace and simmering anguish. Weber plays the character on the edge of explosion. He grips a glass of scotch and glares at his wife Sarah, played by Ravi Batista. Their conversation is classic Pinter: back and forth in a dance of questions and accusations.

Batista prowls the stage, relishing the taunts of Weber. There is a charge in her eyes each time he asks, “Is your lover coming this afternoon?” Batista’s moves are choreographed like a striptease in counterpoint to Pinter’s staccato dialog. There is great subtle beauty in how the actions contrast with the words. Sarah versus Richard and then Max. Her beauty and conversation is cruel and her lover returns the favor in a twisted game of role playing.

It is revealed that this couple thrives on a sadomasochistic games and manipulation. Richard claims to have a lover as well but he refuses to call her a mistress. He deems her a graceless whore. Sarah recoils at the thought and then relishes taunting Richard to stay at the office because her lover may stay extra late. After Richard storms off to the office, Sarah changes into a pair of stiletto heels and dances seductively in anticipation of her lover’s arrival. When the Milkman (Carl Lindberg) shows up, it is but a ruse. She enjoys teasing him and he returns the favor by giving a double-entendre on the word cream. It seems that they will go into a passionate embrace, but it is a red herring.

Pinter is unflinching in his treatment of both sexes’ vulnerability and cruelty. Richard’s alter ego Max is a rough and unrefined park warden or a kindly man or a menacing assaulter. Sarah embraces the whore and the frightened lass but is always in control of the situation until Max decides that he can no longer be a part of the deception. Weber’s portrayal is stunning. He fills the role with an unnerving mental instability. It seems as if in any moment he could strangle Sarah but then he succumbs helplessly to her whispers and pleas.

Batista smolders in the role of Sarah. The character is all seduction which is difficult to play without slipping into caricature. Batista has wonderful restraint and some awesome dance moves. The Lover is reminiscent of Pinter’s contemporary, Edward Albee‘s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?  But, Sarah and Richard/Max don’t drag any unsuspecting people into their game. Their alcohol fueled dance lures the viewer in and doesn’t let go. Pinter masters the art of the mind game for both character and viewer.

There are post show lessons, discussions, and events exploring the themes of The Lover (full schedule here).  My companion and I were treated to a scintillating hour of belly dance and drumming by the beautiful and talented Asali Naimah accompanied by local drumming artist R’yon. Other workshops include “40 and Over Sex Secrets”, “Yoga, Love Focused Meditation” and other exciting explorations of the art of love. It is worth taking a lover or very close friend with you!

Rating: ★★★

The Lover continues through July 15th at A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells (map), with performances Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays 3pm.  Tickets are $10-$20, and are available online through BrownPaperTickets.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at SoulTheatre.com. 

Photos by Johnny Knight 

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