The North China Lover
From book by Marguerite Duras
Translation by Leigh Hafrey
Adapted and Directed by Heidi Stillman
Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan (map)
thru Nov 10 | tickets: $36-$70 | more info
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Somewhat muddled literary adaptation
Lookingglass Theatre presents
The North China Lover
Review by Lauren Whalen
Author Marguerite Duras knew a thing or two about heartbreak. Born Marguerite Donnadieu (Duras is a provincial French town), she was best known for the screenplay to “Hiroshima, Mon Amour,” and is regarded as one of the most important writers of post-war France. But long before she started writing, Duras had a romantic interracial relationship as a teenager that later fueled a passionate story. Lookingglass Theatre’s The North China Lover attempts to translate this story to live theater, and the result is an aptly performed but somewhat muddled 95 minutes.
The North China Lover is based upon Duras’ autobiographical novel “The Lover, L’amant”, which eventually became the basis for a 1992 film, which Duras disavowed. Director Heidi Stillman adapted the original novel for the stage, including Duras herself as the character M. It’s a choice that doesn’t quite work – M’s presence is the equivalent of voice-over narration in a film that doesn’t translate w\ell in live theater. Perhaps this would have been effective if M had set the scene at the beginning and appeared again at the end, but the constant narration of actions that are occurring in front of the audience’s eyes feels forced and condescending. It’s as if Stillman doesn’t trust us, the spectators, to understand the character-driven, plot-light story, and this distrust is the core fault of the play.
To her credit, Stillman has an excellent sense of pacing and, aside from a few dragging moments, the story moves along quickly and organically. Her decision to keep production values simple is a smart one: nothing’s bombastic, yet everything carries the ephemeral intelligence that is Lookingglass’ signature style. Daniel Ostling’s spare set design uses a revolving stage to great effect, and his lighting is haunting and ethereal. Ana Kuzmanic’s costumes accurately convey the poverty of the girl’s world contrasted with the opulence of the lover’s lifestyle, and Rick Sims’ sound design includes stunning live music played onstage by Betti Xiang.
 
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The strongest element of The North China Lover is its superb cast. Chiou’s Lover is physically breathtaking and equal parts suave and heartfelt. JJ Phillips and Walter Owen Briggs’ shine as the girl’s brothers, each troubled and broken in their own unique ways. Allison Torem, last seen at Lookingglass in Trust, is delightfully awkward as the girl’s boarding school roommate Helene, whose goofy naivete provides a sharp contrast to the girl’s world-weary demeanor. But the play belongs to Gray, who delivers an astonishing interpretation of a very complex young woman. The girl may be a virgin, but at 16 going on 17 she’s no stranger to tempestuous life changes and dysfunctional relationships. She is at once childlike and an old soul, and Gray’s musical speaking voice, long limbs and quirky smile suggest someone on the cusp of adulthood who’s already lost her innocence more than once.
As someone who adores female-driven stories, beautiful language and Lookingglass, I wanted to like The North China Lover more than I actually did. All of the elements are there, but something essential is missing: respect for the audience’s intelligence. Each character is smart and cunning in his or her own way, and spectators can be cognizant of that without having everything spelled out for them. If only Stillman had left out the superfluous narration, and let us enjoy the stellar acting, sharp production values and compelling story.
Rating: ★★½
The North China Lover continues through November 10th at Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan (map), with performances Tuesdays-Wednesdays at 7:30pm, Thursdays 3pm and 7:30pm, Fridays 7:30pm, Saturdays-Sundays 3pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are $36-$70, and are available by phone (312-337-0665) or online through PrintTixUSA.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at LookingglassTheatre.org. (Running time: 95 minutes, NO intermission. This production contains nudity.)
Photos by Liz Lauren
artists
cast
Walter Owen Briggs (Pierre), Amy J. Carle (Mother), Tim Chiou (The Lover), Deanna Dunagan (M), Rae Gray (The Child), JJ Phillips (Paolo), Allison Torem (Helene), Tracy Walsh (Woman in Red), Betti Xiang (Musician); Kathleen Alton, Stella Martin, Matt Pratt, David Rhee, Genevieve Thiers (understudies)
behind the scenes
Heidi Stillman (director), Daniel Ostling (set design, lighting design), Ana Kuzmanic (costume design), Rick Sims (sound design, original composition), Maria DeFabo (props design), Tracy Walsh (choreography), Liz Lauren (photos)
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