Betrayal by Harold Pinter
A triangular love relationship drama between a married couple in their late thirties, and the husband's best friend. A quite difficult subject for someone in their forties, isn't it?
The revival of Betrayal at the Comedy Theatre involves a great cast: Kristin Scott Thomas (Emma), Douglas Henshall (Jerry) and Ben Miles (Robert). Harold Pinter geniously structured the plot showing a reverse chronology of the seven year affair and the revelation of it. It allows the characters to think back at how things started and changed their relationships. The dialogues are minimalist with numerous pauses. The production without interval is by Ian Rickson, who also did a great job.
In the first scene, Emma and Jerry meet again after 2 years. Jerry says to Emma: "Don't be silly. We were brilliant. Nobody knew. Who ever went to Kilburn in those days. Just you and me."
Speaking about the place where they used to meet: "I know what you wanted....but it could never...actually be a home. You have a home. I have a home. With curtains etcetera. And children. Two children in two homes. There are no children here, so it's not the same kind of home."
When later, Robert learned from Emma that she had an affair with Jerry, he says: "I've always liked Jerry. To be honest, I've always liked him rather more than I've liked you. Maybe I should have had an affair with him myself."
Betrayal is omnipresent. One character betrayed by another. Betrayal involves lies, pain and rage but can it really involve forgiveness?
Until 20 August 2011.