Berkeley Rep condenses ‘Crime’
By: Leslie Katz
Examiner Staff Writer
March 12, 2009
 |
| Cleverly compact: Tyler Pierce, left, and J.R. Horne star in a 90-minute production of “Crime and Punishment” at Berkeley Rep. (Courtesy Photo) |
|
|
BERKELEY — Before “Columbo” and “Law & Order” there was Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment.”
A satisfying stage adaptation of the literary classic at Berkeley Repertory Theatre captures the 19th-century-set Russian novel’s suspense, along with its psychological and philosophical depth.
Performed without intermission in one brisk, engaging act, the play serves as a great refresher for those who may have forgotten the book, or a cool nudge to fans of world literature who have not read it.
Writers Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus cleverly crafted an intense piece, carefully extracting the drama’s main themes and emotional impact in a show with just three actors playing eight roles. It was likely a difficult task; most editions of the six-section novel number more than 500 pages.
Under classy direction by Sharon Ott, however, the story of the face off between Raskolnikov, a poor, deep-thinking, out-of-work student who murders a nasty old moneylender woman and a bystander, and Inspector Porfiry — and many of its social and psychological implications — springs to life.
The performers are strong throughout. Tyler Pierce convincingly reveals protagonist Raskonikov’s wide range of thoughts and emotions, from his assurance that he’s done the right thing by ridding society of a menace to his torment for having committed murder.
His banter with the seemingly unassuming Porfiry (the model for Peter Falk’s “Columbo”) is captivating, as is J.R. Horne’s performance as the investigator.
Horne also is a delight as Marmelodov, the drunken father of good-hearted prostitute Sonia, who befriends Raskolnikov.
Delia MacDougall effectively offers distinct personas, playing all of the women in the cast: Sonia, murder victims Alyona and bystander Lizaveta, and Raskolnikov’s mother, who seems to be aware of her son’s fate.
Inventive, innovative and compact staging adds particular power to the production. Christopher Barreca’s set, with a backdrop of some 40 doors on multiple levels, is of provocative visual interest. Sound by Cliff Caruthers and lights by Stephen Strawbridge give the show a bit of a modern “Law & Order” feel, giving the timeless themes contemporary relevance.
THEATER REVIEW
Crime and Punishment
- Where: Berkeley Repertory Theatre, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley
- When: 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays; 7 p.m. Wednesdays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays; closes March 29
- Tickets: $34 to $71
- Contact: (510) 647-2949, www.berkeleyrep.org
