[NEohioPAL] Berko review: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT (Cleveland Play House)

[Roy Berko]

‘CRIME AND
PUNISHMENT,’ deep, dark and impressive at CPH
 
Roy Berko
 
(Member, American
Theatre Critics Association)
 
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It’s a pretty
mind-blowing task to perceive that Fydor Dostoevsky’s ‘CRIME AND PUNISHMENT,’ a
long and complex 1864 novel, could be made into a 90-minute play, yet alone, be
successful.  Marilyn Campbell and
Curt Columbus, undertook the task, and their successful proof is now on stage
at the Cleveland Play House.
 
The
novel, which was originally published in 12 monthly installments in a Russian
literary journal, focuses on the mental anguish of Rodion Romanovich
Raskolnikov, an impoverished St. Petersburg law school
dropout, who kills an unscrupulous pawnbroker seemingly for
her money, thereby solving his financial problems. In the process of his angst
he meets Sonia, a prostitute full of
Christian virtue, driven into the profession by the habits of her father.  (Remember this is a typical nineteenth
century Russian novel which carries the tradition of overblown melodramatic
stories, lots of complex characters, and flowing prose.)
 
For
those who read the epic, don’t go into the CPH experience expecting fidelity to
the novel.  One of the major
differences is the dropping of the Epilogue in which Raskolnivok, after he
confesses, is sent to Siberia.  Sonya follows, and the tale ends with a moralistic message of hope and
redemption.
 
Unfortunately,
cutting some background, may leave the audience unaware of the moralistic
motivation for the murders (there is an additional person killed besides the
pawnbroker), other than Raskolnivok’s need for money.  That’s not his motive, as he gives away, not only this
money, but all money he gets to others. Raskolnikov
believes that the murder is permissible in pursuit of a higher purpose, since
he has rid the world of an evil parasite.  Another issue may be the question of why our protagonist gives
himself up when there is no evidence leading to him as the slayer.
 
Despite its
seemingly obvious title, the script does not so much deal with the crime and
its formal punishment, as with the protagonist’s internal struggle which shows
that his penalty results more from his conscience than from the law.
 
Note
that Dostoevsky’s writing preceded the time of Freud, so much of the author’s
astute underlying psychological concepts were way ahead of the thinking of the
time.
 
The CPH
production, under the adept directing of Anders Cato, is compelling.   The staging is aided by Lee
Savage’s dark and cramped setting with the Christ figure hanging above the
action, as well as Jeff Davis’s lighting.  Olivera Gajic’s costuming incites a question.   Why is Raskolnikov dressed in white garments rather
than sac-cloth clothing, the sign of both having no money and being a self-conceived
martyr?
 
Paul Anthony
Stewart is a fascinating Raskolnikov.  He is intense, almost maniacal at times, while reclusive and internally
torn at others.  This is a very
effective textured performance.
 
Patrick Husted,
not only plays Porfiry, the detective, but all of the other male parts.  Though he is quite good as the
detective, a portrayal more in the format of TV’s Columbo might have been more
appropriate.  As portrayed by
Husted, we are never sure whether he is setting up Raskolnikov or really doesn’t
know he is the murderer.  Using the
Columbo approach would have allowed the audience to be aware of the subtle
trickery he was performing.
 
The
characterization of Sonia, due to a lack of exposition in the script, and the
cutting of the Prologue, does not give Lethia Nall much latitude in developing
the role.  There is not enough
emotional texturing for us to get a clear picture of Sonia’s role in aiding
Raskolnikov make a major life decision nor her later effect on him.
 
CAPSULE
JUDGMENT:   CPH’s ‘CRIME AND
PUNISHMENT’ is a dark and compelling production.  Even for those who don’t like their theatre heavy and talky,
viewing this production is well worth the effort.   Put this offering on your “must see” list.
 
‘’CRIME AND
PUNISHMENT’ runs through MARCH 22.  For tickets call 216-795-7000 or go to www.clevelandplayhouse.com.
 Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2009, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info

His reviews can also be found on www.coolcleveland.com and NeOHIOpal (to subscribe visit http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/neohiopal.)