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Pinter's
plays have undergone something of a resurrection recently, possibly
as a result of his rather odd comments and poems on the war in Iraq.
Old Times is perhaps the essence of Pinteresque - a superb example
of the exploration of the human relationship dynamics for which
Pinter is justly celebrated. Primavera, a highly talented student
drama group, open their production this Thursday 13. I attended
a press preview and sat with anticipation as the gentle strains
of 'Someone to Watch Over Me' ushered in the actors.
The
scene is a house by the sea in the country where a film director
(Deeley) and his wife (Kate) expect the wife's long-estranged friend
and former roommate in Bohemian London (Anna) for a visit. On her
arrival, pleasant reminiscing and banter soon give way to deeper
conflict between Anna and Deeley; the past becomes a battleground
with the detached Kate's soul the victory prize. "There are
some things ones remembers even though they may never have happened.
There are things I remember which may never have happened but as
I recall them so they take place" says Anna, showing her hand,
and with it revealing the thrust of the play.
The
black-and-white set wasn't quite complete, but this did not detract
from the compelling performances given by the three actors: Pia
Fitzgerald as the floridly verbose Anna, and Andy Mortimer by turn
blustering and morose as Deeley. Helena Johnson follows up an excellent
series of roles on the Oxford scene including Irina in Three Sisters
(Playhouse), and really makes the part of Kate her own with restrained,
mystical simplicity. The set is such that the audience complete
the social triangle of sofas and chairs, with the effect that they
are drawn far into the awkward, at times unbearable tension of the
dialogue. Not menacing, like many of Pinter's plays, Old Times is
constantly challenging and rises to a climax which is stirring and
deeply sad. An excellent production, well-worth seeing.
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