Riccarton Players

Press, 22 October 1983, Page 8

Riccarton Players

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee. Directed by Stewart Robertson for the Riccarton Players at the Mill Theatre, from October 21 to 29. Running time: 8 p.m. to 10.50 p.m. Reviewed by John Farnsworth.

Not for nothing did Albee think of calling this play “The Exorcism.” Although he finally contented himself with leaving that as the tag for the third act, it still signals the kind of bloodletting territory which this play relentlessly inhabits. Yet, despite its Strindbergian overtones, it is not without comedy, particularly in some deliciously scripted interchanges. This production captures something of both aspects, and when it does, it can be

engaging viewing. The unfolding tale of the emotional life of an older university couple, George (Roy Holderness) and Martha (Janet Jamieson), as they relate it to a newly-arrived younger couple (Susan Aiderton and David Thomas), while simultaneously . involving them in their most vicious conflicts, makes great demands on any company, particularly an amateur one. As it is, this foursome generally work well together, playing responsively to each other, and keeping a good sense of pace. Shortcomings tend to lie in a lack of developing tension, although this is better handled towards the end, and an absence of the scars which are inflicted on each

other. Likewise, the ebb and flow of sequences needs more definite shaping. That aside, Roy Holder-, ness stands out for his portrayal of George’s lowkeyed greyness, and he excels especially in catching his acerbity. Janet Jamieson handles Martha’s vitriol and viciousness well, but could afford to be even louder and more vulgar. Susan Aiderton and David Thomas capture the uneasiness of the young couple’s floundering in the middle of a private war. Over all, despite a strangely shabby set and indeterminate costuming, this production succeeds on the strength of its performances, and goes a good distance towards evoking the intense and introverted world of this play.