Date: Fri 20-Mar-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: JUDYC

Quick Words:

Cathedral-Shakespeare-theatre

Full Text:

(rev "Murder in the Cathedral" @Shakespeare Stratford Festival)

Theatre Review--

A Brilliant Rebirth In Stratford

By June April

STRATFORD -- There are broad smiles in Stratford for two reasons today: first,

because of the rebirth of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival theatre, and

second, for the outstanding performance and staging of The Young Company's

production of T.S. Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral .

As of March 16 the Stratford Festival theatre, Inc is officially the new owner

of the 14.5 acres that make up the former American Shakespeare Theatre. Art

Rocque, the commissioner of Connecticut's Department of Environmental

Protection, formally transferred the property and buildings for $1.5 million.

Directed by founder and artistic director Louis Burke, Murder in the Cathedral

is the first presentation by The Stratford Festival theatre's Young Company.

Staged within Christ Church, at 2000 Main Street, Mr Burke is to be commended

on the exemplary diction of his cast. This alone is worth the price of a

ticket.

The Young Company is a talented collection of actors ranging from high school

students to senior citizens. The company produces a powerful evening, replete

with fine costuming, lighting and acting.

Nafe Katter, a member of Actor's Equity and one of the founding members of the

Stratford Festival theatre, is memorable in his role as Thomas Becket,

Archbishop of Canterbury. His dynamic nuances and physical bearing are

perfect.

Stellar performances by several cast members must also be mentioned, for it

has been all too rare this theatre season. One of the women in the chorus,

Kelly Kiernan, is mesmerizing, and high school student Jessica Lyon is

definitely an actor to follow. She reminds one of a young Claire Bloom.

Every one of the 24 members of the cast does a very fine job. The tensions of

this story -- a battle between church and state -- is heightened by the

commentary and cries of a chorus of women. Mr Burke presents ten women in the

fashion of a Greek chorus and moves them (actually it felt like they were

choreographed) in and around the stage and aisles and up into the balcony very

effectively.

Based on the actual martyrdom in 1170 of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Murder

in the Cathedral is a powerful lesson for students of history. It is also a

rewarding experience for students of language and English.

Written in 1935 by the renowned poet T.S. Elliot, this fine theatre explores

the relationship between two powerful institutions: philosophies and beliefs.

The ending rings true to current issues as well.

Performances run until March 22, with shows Friday through Sunday evenings at

7:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2:30. For tickets and further

information, call 380-1412. Murder in the Cathedral is a fundraiser, so

tickets are priced at $25, with a few seats in the balcony available for $10.