The Fourth Walsh

Goodman Theatre presents BETRAYAL.

Robert and Emma are married. Jerry and Judy are married. Robert and Jerry are best friends. Emma and Jerry are lovers. When juggling intimacy, where does the trust lie?  Playwright Harold Pinter delves into the ties that bind and fray under the weight of humanity. Pinter deconstructs a seven year affair. He starts a few years past the ending and counts back to the beginning. Pinter uses pivotal conversations over time to tell the story. Three people are longing for something different, something more… something. Pinter bases the story on his own long-term romantic liaison to escape the obligation of marriage, parenthood and growing old.

Director Susan V. Booth masterfully stages this on a stylish set designed by Neil Patel. Different mid century rooms establish distinct locations. Scenes transition with projections (Designer Rasean Davonte’ Johnson) introducing the time period. The minimalist aesthetic aids in Booth’s tight and effortless pacing. Any pauses in the production are reserved for the actual script, as intended.

Pinter’s dialogue is sharply written. His words and pauses pull the audience into the head of the speaker. What is she thinking? Why did he say it that way? The truth is a combination of the spoken and unspoken. And Booth’s terrific ensemble delivers the relational angst with guarded emotionality.

‘Whose betrayal did the most damage?’ is the underlying question. Helen Hunt (Emma), Ian Barford (Robert) and Robert Sean Leonard (Jerry) support that contemplation. In the most recent past, Hunt and Leonard’s interactions feel authentic and restrained. Further in the past, the pair appear playful yet still hesitant to reveal too much. Barford, with both Hunt and Leonard, perfects his game playing with a stoic facade. The trio captivate with their revelations and nondisclosures.        

BETRAYAL is a sleek production! Although as a fan I’m never quite able to let go of the notion that’s Helen-Hunt-is-pretending-to-be-British, BETRAYAL intrigues as a post mortem on an affair, a marriage and a friendship.              

Running Time: Seventy-five minutes with no intermission

At Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn

Written by Harold Pinter

Directed by Susan V. Booth

Performances are:

Tuesdays, Wednesdays,Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays at 7:30pm

Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays at 2pm   

EXTENDED Thru March 30

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Joan Marcus

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