By Richard Pacheco
“Crime and
Punishment” is a classic Russian novel brought vividly to life on stage with an
adaptation by Trinity Repertory’s artistic director Curt Columbus in
conjunction with Marilyn Campbell. When it was written ten years ago, it was
originally supposed to be a large scale cast, now deftly paired down to three
actors who play all necessary roles in a 90 minute production. This compelling
tale looks at an ex-student, Raskolnikov who wants to succeed and be
remembered, while filled with self doubt and rage. He struggles to create a
theory, that extraordinary men are not bound by the rules and laws of the
ordinary man. And therein lays his dilemma, for what appears fine in theory,
ends up far less satisfying and with incredible consequences when attempted in real
life.
Raskolnikov’s
heroic figure and role model and the man whom he connects with is Napoleon and
he writes a paper in which the touts the ability of extraordinary men to go
beyond the norm, not hampered by rules or laws which bind the ordinary man. For
him, it ends up with the murder of a mean spirited pawn broker and by accident
and circumstance, her pleasant, friendly half-sister. Can he escape the burden
of guilt and the relentless pursuit of the police who are closing in even
though someone else has confessed to the murder? In a gripping guilt he
confesses to Sonia who tries to convince him to confess to the police, but he
resists.
Stephen
Thorne is winning as the tormented Raskolnikov. He is convincing and articulate
as the man burdened with his own evil deeds, yet in spite of himself trying to
transcend being ordinary. He plans to
kill the pawnbroker and use her money to do good deeds to make up for his evil
actions. He is sensitive and articulate, always honest and sincere.
Dan Butler
plays Profiry, the police detective and many others. As the detective he is sly
and intelligent, a dogged pursuer of criminals. While he has no evidence of
Raskolnikov’s guilt he grows increasingly convinced the ex-student is indeed
the murderer. Mr. Butler is breathtaking as the detective in a polished and
energetic performance that is revealing and persuasive. He also plays Sonia’s
drunken father with skill and flair, at once energetic and convincing. 
Rachel
Christopher is Sonia and other characters. As Sonia, she is the epitome of
innocence dragged into prostitution to support her family. She has a conscience
and shares Raskolnikov’s feelings of shame and humiliation. Her performance is
deft and persuasive. As the greedy pawnbroker she is cruel and greedy, full of
contempt for her customers and relentless in her quest for more money at any
cost. As her sister she is warm and vulnerable. As Raskolnikov’s mother she is
caring and direct.
This play
has considerable humor which emerges frequently at sometimes unexpected
moments. Using only three actors, the fluid production shifts back and forth
from one moment to the other, and one site to another. The clever set adds so
much to the production with its video monitors and cameras set up throughout.
The play eschews historical fidelity in favor of creating a stark even more
oppressive setting with technology. The splendid cast creates a vivid and
remarkable world.
Director
Brian Mertes keeps everything moving right along, at once dreamy and very
effective. It is a mixture of stark and startling, always nightmare like and
riveting with surprising touches of humor in broad doses throughout.
Eugene
Lee’s set design is a wonder, combining elements of historic decay with modern
touches like the video monitors and cameras. It creates a fluid, ever-changing
atmosphere where the action unfolds.
Olivera Gajic’s costume designs are
effective and direct, simple and to the point.
The sound design by Broken Chord
adds an distinctive element to the production. The lighting design by Dan
Scully enhances the faraway, nightmarish mood.
This production soars with passion and
mutability. It constantly moves and
shifts not only between locations, but characters with smoothness and vigor. It
is intelligent and passionate. It sizzles and soars into gripping theater.
It will be presented at It will be
presented at Trinity Repertory at the downstairs Lederer
Theater Center
until Feb. 24. For tickets, call the box office at 401-351-4242.
Adult ticket prices for Crime and Punishment are $36-$70.
Children’s tickets (age 2-14) start at $22. For
information on group discounts for parties of 20 or more contact Group Sales at
401-351-4242 or online at online at: http://www.trinityrep.com
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