Harold Pinter stands as one of the most influential playwrights of modern times. His works are distinguished by theatrical pauses and silences, comedic timing, irony, and menace. Pinter's dramas often feature intense conflicts among ambivalent characters vying for verbal and territorial dominance, as well as for their own versions of the past. His thematically ambiguous plays delve into complex issues of individual identity oppressed by social forces, language, and the vicissitudes of memory.
What would Harold have thought of Trump? Antonia FraserThe Pres and the Officer was discovered by Antonia Fraser on one of the yellow pads Harold Pinter used for writing in autumn 2017. The pamphlet will include a Foreword by Antonia Fraser and a copy of the handwritten manuscript.
The story follows Deborah, a vibrant teenager who succumbs to sleeping sickness, leaving her in a decades-long coma. After 29 years, she awakens under the care of the same devoted doctor who watched over her during her slumber. As she navigates the challenges of reintegrating into a drastically changed world, themes of resilience and the impact of time on family and relationships unfold, highlighting her journey of rediscovery and adaptation.
Set in a fashionable restaurant, the story revolves around two gangsterish brothers, now rebranded as "strategy consultants," celebrating an anniversary with their wives, who are sisters. Nearby, a banker dines with his former secretary, now his wife. The play blends humor with violence, showcasing a lively and chaotic exploration of relationships and the absurdities of life.
The story unfolds in a claustrophobic environment where Rose and Bert inhabit a room resembling a prehistoric cave, surrounded by a menacing outside world. Rose remains confined indoors while Bert channels his rage into aggressive driving. Their lives take a dark turn when a young couple and a blind man visit. Bert's violent triumph culminates in a brutal act against the stranger, leading to Rose's tragic blindness, highlighting themes of isolation, aggression, and the consequences of unchecked violence.
The story revolves around the Controller of a radio-cab firm who urgently attempts to reach Driver 274, hoping to dispatch him for a fare at Victoria Station. The narrative likely explores themes of communication, urgency, and the dynamics of city life as the Controller navigates the challenges of coordinating their drivers in a bustling environment.
Set in a society that suppresses a minority's language, the play explores the harsh realities and injustices faced by those silenced. Through minimal dialogue, it powerfully critiques the oppression of free expression and the human spirit's resilience against such brutality. The stark portrayal serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of language and communication in asserting one's identity and rights.
The narrative unfolds through a series of monologues and letters exchanged between a mother and her estranged son. As the mother desperately tries to reconnect with her son, who resides in a grim London boarding house, her increasingly misguided efforts highlight the deep emotional divide that has formed between them. The poignant exploration of their relationship reveals themes of longing, isolation, and the challenges of communication.
Albert finds himself dominated by his mother. At an office party he is mercilessly teased by his colleagues and arrives home, his temper rising. When his mother nags he attacks and leaves her, gets picked up by a girl and is able to reduce her to humble servility. Yet, when he arrives home his mother is there fully recovered and ready to reassert her dominance.
Exploring themes of power and powerlessness, this play unfolds in a nameless totalitarian regime, revealing a harrowing depiction of political horror. The narrative centers on an interrogator who inflicts torment on a prisoner, while also threatening his wife and child, creating a tense atmosphere that highlights the brutality of authoritarianism and the impact of oppression on individuals and families.
Cherry Lane Theater, Theater 1964, Richard Barr, Clinton Wilder, Edward Albee presents "The Lover," a play in one act by Harold Pinter, with Hilda Brawner, Michael Lipton, Marian Reardon, Frances Sternhagen, Charles Kindl, scenery by William Ritman, costumes by Fred Voelpel, directed by Alan Schneider