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Beholder
Written by Ken Prestininzi
Directed by Kate Hendrickson
Produced by Trap Door Theatre in cooperation
with the Goethe-Institut Chicago
At Trap Door Theatre
1655 W. Cortland Ave.
Chicago, IL
Call 773-384-0494, tickets $20 (2 for 1 Thursdays)
Thursday, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm
Running time is 2 hours, 10 minutes with intermission
Through June 21, 2008
Charming story of an unknown German artist
Trap Door Theatre, in cooperation with the Goethe-Instutut Chicago, has mounted a charming and interesting drama of the life of German artist, Paula Modersohn-Becker (1876-1907). Ken Prestininzi’s script of “Beholder” is based and inspired by letters, notebooks and journals of Paula Modersohn-Becker and Rainer Maria Rilke, as well as Rilke’s poem “Requiem for a Friend.”
This enchanting play introduces us to Paula Modersohn-Becker (Betsy Zajko), a German artist know for her free spirit and her fanatical dedication to her art. “If only I could produce one good painting,” Paula laments. She produced over 400 painting in her short 31 years. Her story is vividly and dramatically told through a series of vignettes by Ken Prestininzi. Betsy Zajko’s Paula has an energetic and zestful approach to her painting and her life. Her magnanimity forced her to constantly strive to become a proficient artist. She constantly seeks new stimulation from nature to aid her art and her personal relationships. She believed that “intensity makes for beauty.”
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Paula’s story is told by Rainer Maria Rilke (John Kahara), a dedicated poet and friend of Paula (who secretly loved her). Rilke admired Paula’s spirit, her dedication to producing art as well as her zest for life. When Paula married German landscape artist Otto Modersohn (Jason Huysman), Rilke married Clara Rilke-Westhoff (Kristen Williams Smith), Paula’s best girlfriend. This is a lover story on several levels.
Over the years we witness Rilke and Clara moving to Berlin then Paris as Clara searches for new inspiration for her art and Rilke also seeks a finer writing environment for his poetry. They have a loveless marriage as both miss Paula’s company. Paula becomes restless in Worpswede, Germany as she continuously feeds off new stimuli in her quest to improve her craft. Rilke’s letters entice her to leave Otto and join Rilke and Clara in Paris. Sparks fly between Rilks and Paula that eventually leaves Clara opting to move back to Germany. Paula and Rilke’s creative juices flow producing fulfilling art by each.
Paula eventually realizes that she has an obligation to Otto and she returns to Germany. Her death in 1907 inspired Rilke to write a 259-line poem “Requiem for a Friend.” The poem is an outcry against her death and a tribute to her spirit and her greatness as an artist. She was a true early Individualist and an early practitioner of German Expressionist art.
“Beholder” is a romantic work and a tribute to the human spirit manifested by Otto, Clara, Rilke and especially Paula. Paula, in a charming performance by Betsy Zajko comes to life as an exuberantly radiant free spirit. You’ll become captivated with Paula and her verve. She believed that “simplicity of form” creates great art. Her total commitment to her craft is appreciated. “Beholder” allows us to know Paula Modersohn-Becker as a person. I’m glad I got to meet her.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2007
Jeff Recommended
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