Betrayal

Betrayal

Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

August 16, 2019

Photo courtesy of Betrayal

Jamie Lloyd has brilliantly directed the Broadway production of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal, originally produced by his theatre company in London.  He keeps the pace slow, steady, and deliberate so that every glance and detail holds the meaning it need to convey the underlying story.  Every moment is rich with emotion that layers deep subtext throughout the dialogue.  The reverse chronology flows seamlessly.  All three main actors rarely leave the stage, even when they are not in a scene.  This adds a haunting reminder of the betrayal that is constantly occurring and ever-present.

In the opening we see three people on stage.  One male character fades into the background as Emma (played by Zawe Ashton) and Jerry (played by Charlie Cox) seat themselves downstage.  After some light small talk about their spouses and children, we find out that they had a five-year affair that ended two years earlier.  Emma called Jerry to meet because the previous night her and her husband, Robert (played by Tom Hiddleston), decided to split up.  During that conversations, Robert admitted that he betrayed her on numerous occasions.  She, of course, confesses the truth of her long-standing affair with Jerry, who is also Robert’s best friend.  Jerry meets with Robert the next day to face his friend directly, only to find out that Robert knew about the affair for years.  Robert never addressed it with Jerry, who now feels confused and surprisingly betrayed.  The story unfolds by going backwards, peeling open past everts and interactions layered with deceit and betrayal.

Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Cox, & Zawe Ashton
Photo courtesy of Betrayal

Tom Hiddleston, Zawe Ashton, and Charlie Cox are remarkable.  The chemistry between all three actors is riveting.  Their characters are constantly on edge, and every scene contains a different level of emotional danger.  When the story unravels back to the first moment of betrayal, we see them as vulnerable and unaware of how their subsequent actions will shape them.  It is a genuine and touching moment.

Betrayal is playing at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre for a limited time.  It is a sensitive and emotionally driven production of a well-crafted play.  You have until December 8 to see it.

Domenick Danza