Betrayal

Virgilia Griffith and Jordan Pettle. Photo: Dahlia Katz.

Harold Pinter's Betrayal is enjoying a revival moment. The 1978 play is currently a hot ticket—both on Broadway and in Toronto as part of Soulpepper's new season. 

Set in London, this English adultery drama tells the story of a long-time affair between married lovers Jerry (Ryan Hollyman) and Emma (Virgilia Griffith), the wife of Jerry's best friend Robert (Jordan Pettle). The action begins two years after the affair ends, and moves backward in time to the first spark of passion. 

Directed by Andrea Donaldson in her Soulpepper debut, Betrayal is tightly paced and entertaining, featuring spot-on 70s set and costume design by Ken MacKenzie, and stirring composition by Richard Feren. Pinter's layered text still shines today (aside from the disquieting sexism), packed with so much face-saving British reserve it is often laugh-out-loud funny despite its tragic trajectory. Much is left unsaid between players, but we the audience are privy to the truth from the very first scene, which makes for intriguing theatre. 

Donaldson gets strong performances from the cast, especially Pettle as the doubly wounded Robert. Ultimately, though, hubris and witty delivery gets in the way of the play's serious tone, and we are left wondering whether the characters are truly suffering or if they are more interested in one-upping each other. 

Betrayal runs until September 22, 2019 at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Visit Soulpepper.ca for more information and to buy tickets.