Q&A: How Do I Love Thee?

Florence Gibson MacDonald

Victorian-era poets Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning are described as having enjoyed "rock star" status at the heights of their careers. In her new play How Do I Love Thee?, award-winning playwright Florence Gibson MacDonald explores the darker side of their marriage, revealing the surprising truth about their complex relationship. Presented as part of Canadian Rep Theatre's 2015 season, the current production is directed by Ken Gass and features an accomplished cast including Matthew Edison, Nora McLellan, Irene Poole and David Schurmann.

We caught up with Gibson MacDonald to find out more about this intriguing romance.

Theatromania: Tell us about How Do I Love Thee? What inspired this play?

FGM: Believe it or not: an article in the British Medical Journal! Wherein said article (and the ensuing spate of letters to the editor) doctors from various specialties from all over the world came to the conclusion that Elizabeth Barrett did not have tuberculosis, she did not have scoliosis, she did not suffer a fall from a horse: she had a major problem with addiction—to morphine, laudanum (opiates mixed in brandy!) and ether. It was a quick step from there to wondering how this affliction affected her marriage to Robert Browning. Did he know? Not till after they’d eloped in Italy and she’d spent their entire first month’s income on drugs. Did this affect their writing? You’ll have to see the play to find out.

Theatromania: How would you describe Can Rep Theatre’s production in a few sentences?

FGM: In a word: stellar. Ken Gass now brings close to half a century of theatrical experience to the stage. And it shows. His work with actors, his ability to envisage the play and execute that vision is astounding. And of course his—stellarity?—is aided and abetted by a constellation of actors who are professional to their finger tips. My Robert and Elizabeth have such chemistry. My Wilson (the maid) and John (friend and patron) bring such pathos and humour, such love and longing. The production is shaping up to be a dance of love: the love of language, the language of love.

Theatromania: What surprises you most about the marriage of Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning?

FGB: I don’t think I am surprised at all. In delving into the research—and there is so much out there! Rows and rows in the Robarts—I came to the conclusion that the examination of a marriage is a curious thing. All relationships are paradoxes: the truth about love lies somewhere in between. I use Robert and Elizabeth’s poetry, but mostly my own, to illuminate their lives, and I hope it is the audience that will be surprised.

Theatromania: What have you learned from this experience?

FGM: It’s not something I learned, it’s something I know: experiencing this play about love in the month of Valentines would be a great gift for your sweet heart.

How Do I Love Thee? is on stage from January 31 to February 22, 2015 at the Berkeley Street Theatre Upstairs (26 Berkeley Street). Visit canadianrep.ca for more information and to buy tickets.