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The Duchess of Malfi
By John Webster
Adapted and Directed by Michael Halberstam
At Writers’ Theatre
325 Tudor Court
Glencoe, IL
Call 847-242-6000, tickets $45 - $50- $57
Tuesdays – Fridays at 8 PM
Saturdays at 5 & 8 PM
Sundays at 2:30 & 6 PM
Weekday Matinees at 2 PM June 14 & 21
Running time is 2 hours, 15 minutes with intermission
Through July 16, 2006
Jacobean tragedy triumphs at Writers’ Theatre
John Webster followed right after William Shakespeare and premiered his tragedy, The Duchess of Malfi, at the Globe Theatre in 1614 first performed by Richard Sharpe as part of the all-male Jacobean stage. The work was been remounted often in England with the likes of Judy Dench (1971), Helen Mirren (1980), Eleanor Bron (1985), Bob Hoskins (1980) and Ian McKellan (1985).
Writers’ Theatre’s artistic director Michael Halberstram has adapted Webster’s masterpiece into a stylistic triumph as a highly theatrical thriller that incorporates high fashion, puppetry, music, fight choreography, dance and sound effects. Filled with interesting plot twists, savage violence and psychology, Duchess “celebrates the Jacobean flair for theatrical extravagance with heart-racing thrills and spectacular chills” says director Halberstam. I enjoyed his artistic, flawless production of Webster’s tragedy.
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When the Duchess (Elizabeth Rich) marries in secret her servant Antonio (James Meredith), (second marriages were frowned upon in Jacobean times) her brothers are outraged and plot revenge as they covet her fortune and position. Her brothers, Ferdinand (Christopher McLinden) and The Cardinal (Nick Sandys), employ the devious Bosola (Matt Kozlowski) to spy on her. Add Delio (La Shawn Banks) Antonio’s confidant, Julia (Monica Lopez) the Cardinal’s lover and Castruccio’s (Donald Brearley) wife with the loyal Lady in waiting to the duchess, Cariola (Jennifer Avery) and this tragedy unfolds with lies, betrayal and espionage leading to murder and mayhem.
What makes this drama work are the excellent production values from Matt York’s set and Brian Sidney Bembridge’s effective lighting and Josh Schmidt’s eerie sound effects to Tatjana Radisic’s flamboyant combination period and ultra-modern dress styles that give the production its unique fresh contemporary feel. Terrific performances from Elizabeth Rich’s haunting Duchess to Christopher McLinden’s wicked brother to Nick Sandy’s arrogant Cardinal anchor the play. Jennifer Avery’s Cariola was steady and James Meredith has charm to spare as Antonio. La Shawn Banks offers articulate narration and Donald Brealey and Monica Lopez complete the stellar cast. Matt Kozlowski’s murdering sociopath agent coldly does the brother’s bidding. Kozlowski deftly demonstrates how functionaries can carryout evil plots. He could work for the CIA today.
The Duchess of Malfi uses puppetry, sound and shadows together with echoes to further the atmosphere of doom and dread. This engrossing show is a thriller with unpredictable plot twists and shocking violence that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. The stage combat was scary and nicely performed. It is refreshing to see a remount of a Jacobean era play so finely crafted that it impresses even the most sophisticated theatre patron. Writers’ Theatre always seems to produce first-class theatre. The Duchess of Malfi is their latest success.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2006
Jeff Recommended
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