Betrayal

MTC_BetrayalFollowing critically acclaimed seasons in Adelaide and Canberra, Harold Pinter’s Betrayal will explore the delicate fabric of human relationships and deceptions at the Southbank Theatre from 29 August 2015.

Hailed for its economical writing and backward travelling plot, Betrayal is inspired by Pinter’s real-life affair with a British TV presenter and the reaction of her husband. Created by the State Theatre Company of South Australia and directed by its Artistic Director Geordie Brookman, this is MTC ’s third outing of this remarkable play, following its premiere in 1980 and again in 2001 when it was a runaway hit.

Betrayal is a play of great economy and power. It’s full of blood, damage and the heavy consequence of in the moment choices,” says Director Geordie Brookman. “In Alison Bell, John Maurice, Nathan O’Keefe and Mark Saturno, I’m lucky enough to have four actors at the peak of their powers, ready to bring Pinter’s yearning and dark humour to life.”

Emma and Jerry meet for the first time since the end of their affair, but the coals they rake over have long grown cold. Emma reveals she is finally going to leave Robert, the husband and best friend they betrayed. When, later that day, Jerry decides to confess all to Robert, he discovers that Robert found out about the affair years ago and said nothing. Was this secret his betrayal? Or his revenge? As memory reels backwards towards the moment the affair started, the lies tangle into a web of deception and betrayal begets betrayal.

Considered one of the most influential modern dramatists, Harold Pinter was a playwright, director, actor, poet and political activist. His acting and writing career spanned more than 50 years and in 2005 he won the Nobel Prize for Literature. His legacy includes twenty-nine plays such as The Birthday Party, The Caretaker, The Homecoming, The Dumb Waiter, No Man’s Land, Moonlight, Ashes to Ashes, Party Time and Celebration; and twenty-four screenplays including The Servant, The Go-Between and The French Lieutenant’s Woman.

Geordie Brookman is the Artistic Director of State Theatre Company. His directing credits for the Company include The Importance of Being Earnest, Little Bird, The Seagull, Maggie Stone, Hedda Gabler, The Kreutzer Sonata, Speaking In Tongues, romeo&juliet, Ghosts, Attempts on Her Life, The Dumb Waiter, Ruby Moon, Hot Fudge, Toy Symphony (co-production with QTC ), and Knives In Hens (co-production with Malthouse).

Other directing credits include Spring Awakening: The Musical (STC ), Baghdad Wedding (Belvoir), Metro Street (Arts Asia Pacific, Power Arts, Daegu International Musicals Festival and State Theatre Company of South Australia), The City and Tender (nowyesnow), Marathon, Morph, Disco Pigs and The Return (Fresh Track), Tiny Dynamite (Griffin), Macbeth and The Laramie Project (AC Arts). His productions have won or been nominated for Helpmann, Greenroom, Sydney Critics Circle, Adelaide Critics Circle and Curtain Call Awards.

“The greatest, and the most moving, of all Pinter’s plays. One doesn’t leave the theatre trying to solve a mystery inside an enigma.  It concerns itself instead with the devious workings of the human heart, with love and guilt and passion.” – The Telegraph

Director: Geordie Brookman  Featuring: Alison Bell, John Maurice, Nathan O’Keefe, Mark Saturno  Lighting & Set Designer: Geoff Cobham  Associate Designer & Costume Designer: Ailsa Paterson  Assistant Director: Suzannah Kennett Lister  Sound Designer: Jason Sweeney  Accent Coach: Simon Stollery

Betrayal
The Sumner – Southbank Theatre, Southbank Boulevard, Southbank
Season: 29 August – 3 October 2015 (previews: 26 – 28 August)
Bookings: (03) or online at: www.mtc.com.au

For more information, visit: www.mtc.com.au for details.

Image: Allison Bell stars in Harold Pinter’s Betrayal – photo courtesy of MTC