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As You Desire Me
by Luigi Pirandello, adapted by Hugh Whitemore
Directed by Jonathan Kent
at Playhouse Theatre
Northumberland Ave, London WC2
Call +44 0870 060 6631 Tickets £17.50 - £42.50
Tues – Sat 7.30pm; Wed & Sat Mats 3pm, Sun mat 4pm
Running time 1.5 hours with no intermission
Through 26 January 2006
Only From Afar
Is it a case of self deception, self identity, lack of identity, mistaken identity, multiple personality, or just a cheap impostor?
The premise combines the tragic story of the disappearance of a multiple rape victim with that of a beautiful, indolent woman, attracted to the good life who, after 8 years, Martin Guerre-like, identifies herself as the returning victim, and claims her wealthy life-style, even getting the husband to fall under her spell. Physically she is different, with identifying features missing, memories gleaned from some diaries of the lost woman, and what you have is a fascinating character study. All it takes is someone prepared to dig into this rich seam of character ore.
Kristin Scott Thomas is a beguiling and intelligent actress, apparently well equipped to face a major stage role, demanding depth, angst and personal tragedy. But those qualities, which could have made this creaky Pirandello artifice plausible were missing. Instead, endlessly and vacuously wandering around the stage in order to be doing something as she spoke (a great deal) the play became a vehicle for the actress’s not inconsiderable technical accomplishments. The result was, aside from wanting to know the truth, one didn’t care what happened to her.
Supported, as she was, by a strangely uncomfortable looking Bob Hoskins, stuck somewhere between The Long Good Friday and East Enders, one had to wait for Margaret Tyzack, late on in the piece to find a performance that moved one with its honesty and warmth.
On an evocative, atmospheric set by Paul Brown, beautifully lit by Mark Henderson, Jonathan Kent’s direction echoed the hollowness and self interest of the protagonists’ lives, ironically missing a central performance to hang it on.
Somewhat Recommended
Saul Reichlin
London correspondent
Chicago Stage Talk Radio Show
www.ChicagoCritic.com
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