Review By Kendra Hanna, Front Row Reviewers
Whispering Room Theater presents The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster at the Hive Collaborative is a masterful investigation of what it means to live and be free is directed by also-actor Dylan Hamilton Wright.
The widowed Duchess of Malfi (Clara Wright) falls in love with the lowly steward Antonio (Kristian Huff), and the two marry in secret, as her brothers, Ferdinand (Sten Shearer) and the Cardinal (Jeanelle Huff) would violently oppose the marriage if they knew. When rumors and tricks by those who would oppose her reveal that the Duchess has given birth to three children of unknown parentage, Ferdinand and the Cardinal will stop at nothing to punish her through the servant Bosola (Dylan Hamilton Wright). Cruelty begets cruelty, as it always does, and a devastating tragedy unfolds before your very eyes. On a bare stage lit with beeswax candles, The Duchess of Malfi dazzles with an authentic Jacobean atmosphere that allows all of the audiences’ attention to remain on the stellar acting.
Wright begins the play by bringing a playful confidence to the duchess that makes the audience almost believe that she will be able to avoid the coming tragedy. As the narrative progresses, this lightheartedness transforms into a staunch resolve to protect those she loves from the machinations of her brothers. The connection she creates with the audience is a nearly physical thing, drawing one straight into the world onstage. Her maidservant, Cariola (Bo Chester) bears witness to the impending doom with all the dedication of a best friend. The loving devotion Chester brings to the role heightens the tragedy of both the duchess’ dark fate and her own.
Kristian Huff brings a deep sense of virtue to Antonio, all righteous devotion and righteous fury at turns. Watching him follow his heart straight toward his own demise is devastating, especially regarding his love for both his wife and their children. His children, depicted with baby clothes on hangers came straight to life under his gaze. Susannah Castleton plays Delio, Antonio’s friend and confidant, with alacrity, and remains at the end of the show the only living person onstage, holding his friend’s only living child, spectator to all the wanton violence. The look on Castleton’s face is haunting, remaining with the audience long after they have left the theater.
Shearer’s portrayal of Ferdinand is, in a word, brilliant. His rage at his perception of his sister’s lack of virtue is palpable and at times even frightening. The delight he takes from his cruel tortures is absolutely spine-chilling. His sharp descent into obvious madness after his sister dies is a seamless transition thanks to one of the play’s most memorable moments, a mad speech by a broken man at the side of his sister, who has just – by his order – been strangled to death. He rails against Bosola, the executioner he appointed, telling him he ought to have saved her, spirited her away to somewhere she would have been safe, placing blame anywhere but on himself as he lies next to and embraces the twin sister he has had killed in her innocence.
Slime drips off the Cardinal as we watch him coldly engage in an affair with Julia (Miriam Edwards), while almost in the same breath accusing his sister of being a whore. J. Huff’s reptilian portrayal of the supposed “man of God” is striking, especially as we watch his vicious control as he dominates other characters physically. Julia’s final scene on the stage is an especially striking moment, as Edward’s character’s death comes as a complete surprise to herself. The sorrow in her face is heartbreaking as she realizes the man she has devoted so much of her time to is her ultimate betrayer.
Perhaps none of the characters’ journeys are so satisfying to watch as Bosola’s, who makes the leap from unwilling servant of mischief to a determined dispenser of bloody justice on behalf of the unfortunate duchess. Dylan Hamilton Wright expertly navigates the divide between embittered slave to his master and magistrate of vengeance. The grim firmness of purpose in his every action bespeaks a man tired of corruption, with a heart secretly much softer than it has ever been allowed to be. One of the most touching moments of the play comes as Bosola holds the duchess’ body in his arms, weeping for her and the evil that has been brought about consistently by his hands, resolving to single-mindedly seek the salvation of Antonio and her remaining son. The transition between Bosola as the driver of the characters’ misfortune and the unwitting protagonist of the story is highly nuanced and immaculately done.
Whispering Room Theater’s production of The Duchess of Malfi is unquestionably the finest piece of acting I have seen in many a year. Whether you have a penchant for tragedy, a partiality for old plays, or just plain love the theater, this masterpiece of theater is not to be missed.
Whispering Room Theater presents The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster
The Hive Collaborative – 290 W 600 S Provo, UT 84601
November 19-23, 7:30-9:30, Saturday matinee 2:00-4:00
Ages 13+
Tickets: $20 General Admission
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