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
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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?
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.
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