Reviewed by Judy Richter
On the surface, Bill Cain's "Equivocation" is about a play that William
Shakespeare didn't
write. As seen in the Bay Area premiere presented by Marin Theatre Company, however, it's far more than
that. It's about the nature of truth and the consequences of telling -- or not
telling -- the truth. It's also about a man coming to terms with grief over the
loss of his son and trying to make amends to the daughter whom he neglected
because of his grief.
The
play that Shakespeare didn't write had to do with the failed Gunpowder Plot of
1605, when oppressed Catholics planned to blow up the Protestant royal family
and most members of Parliament at the House of Parliament. In
"Equivocation," Shakespeare is known as Shag, or Shagspeare (Charles
Shaw Robinson).One
of the king's men, the devious Robert Cecil (Andrew Hurteau), gives Shag the king's
commission to write a play based on that treasonous plot. Shagspeare and the
other members of his King's Men acting company take the commission because of
the money, but they think it's unworkable. Nevertheless, Shag does some
research, talking with some of the jailed conspirators, including a Jesuit
priest, Robert Garnet (Andy Murray), who imparts more insight than Shag had expected.
MTC
artistic director Jasson Minadakis directs the tight ensemble cast. Only Robinson and Anna
Bullard, who
plays his neglected, vulnerable daughter, Judith, play just one character. The
other four actors -- Hurteau, Craig Marker, Lance Gardner and Murray -- are listed as
members of the King's Men, but they seamlessly assume various personae
throughout the play. J.B. Wilson's set, inspired by the original Globe Theatre of London, easily becomes other
settings, aided by Kurt Landisman's lighting. Costume designer Fumiko Bielefeldt puts the cast in modern outfits,
mostly jeans for the men and a simple dress for Bullard, but adding a few
accessories allows them to become other characters. The sound and music are by Chris
Houston, while Richard
Lane is the
fight director.
It's
a densely plotted, fascinating play, one that probably grows richer with
additional viewings. A more than passing knowledge of Shakespeare's plays
increases one's enjoyment because allusions to various works are liberally
sprinkled throughout the script.
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