For those familiar with Harold Pinter’s plays, you will know the spitfire dialogue his work is famous for, and Betrayal does not disappoint.
The story centres on a seven year affair told in a reverse order and cleverly represented through the literal drawing back of the scrim curtain as the play unfolds. Almost immediately it’s made clear that director Rachel Baring knows how to handle this play with thoughtful restrained symbolism and precise economy of movement.
Gabriel Partington’s Jerry in particular has a circular waltz-like quality which the audience enjoyed. Michaela Bedel’s portrayal of Emma was suitably poised and measured. The physical dynamic between the lovers Jerry and Emma was well choreographed and suited the intimate performance space. However it was the relationship between Jerry and the cuckolded Robert (played by Heath Ivey-Law) that truly shone.
Ivey-Law balanced his character adeptly between moments of self-preservation, cheeky sarcasm and at times potential danger. Hints of sexual power play between the two men were played off very conscientiously and successfully. You almost felt sorry for Emma being somewhat neglected in the real love affair between the men.
With a minimal set of a few choice pieces of furniture and props, the performance allowed the actors’ portrayal of their characters to take centre stage. No doubt this was a deliberate choice from director Rachel Baring in collaboration with Thursday’s Child Theatre.
The use of sound was also well-marked. Background music and ambience helped maintain the atmospheric tone for each scene and their various locations. One moment that stood out was when the sound abruptly stopped right before a scene involving physical confrontation. The contrasting silence in this moment compared to the rest of the play served as a poignant signpost of the dangers vulnerable people face in relationships.
While this play is set across seven years spanning backwards from 1977 to 1968, this time period seems irrelevant to the themes presented. The complications of infidelity and expectations placed on relationships seem universal sticking-points now as they ever were. Yet regardless of what time this particular story takes place, we understand with reverberating clarity the emotional complexity of love, partnership, loyalty and indeed betrayal.
Betrayal is showing at Chapel Off Chapel until the 25th of May and runs for 70 minutes with no interval. There is a content warning of some coarse language, adult themes and domestic violence however these depictions are not gratuitous. This play might be a bold choice for date night but it will definitely make the journey home full of conversation.
To book tickets to Betrayal, please visit https://chapeloffchapel.com.au/show/betrayal-by-harold-pinter/.
