"Like a beautiful, edgy piece of music... a true ‘chamber' piece."
That's how Michael Wright, the artistic director for the Milwaukee Chamber Theater, refers to his latest theatrical production.
This past Thursday, the Milwaukee Chamber Theater (MCT) opened 2008's first production, "Crime and Punishment," in the Third Ward. This adapted version of Dostoevsky's 1866 novel brought new challenges to MCT as it demands only three actors play all the pivotal characters. And as Wright puts it, it "is exactly the kind of work we should be doing."
Despite the obvious challenges of minimizing a 500-plus page book into a taut 90-minute play, the work's small, intimate style is what Wright seeks for the Milwaukee Chamber Theater. Wright, who began as artistic director of MCT in 2005, has worked to initiate a return to "chamber" style theater in Milwaukee.
"I firmly believe that the word ‘chamber' in our organization's name should be an integral part of our identity. Taking a cue from the world of music, I consider a ‘chamber piece' to be an intimate work presented by a small ensemble of highly-skilled players. The main focus should be on the power of the writing ... But I don't ever want to lose sight of our purpose. We're storytellers first and foremost; everything should stem from and revolve around the story and the words," says Wright.
"(MCT) was founded by a group of actors that had a strong commitment to and affinity for great literature. We're still following that lead. To encourage and nurture emerging playwrights, we've established a New Works Series which includes a script development initiative and an annual Young Playwrights Festival. I suppose that's what most clearly delineates us -- our literary bent."
Wright's vision for small stage, small cast productions has brought such hits as "Moonlight and Magnolias," "Talking Heads" and "Trying" to the theater in the last year. Each of the productions, featuring anywhere from two to six actors, fits into the theater's renewed mission for strong writing and solid production with an emphasis on including and engaging the local community. "Crime and Punishment," aims to do just the same.
"Crime and Punishment," which was recently a huge New York off-Broadway hit, already has a growing buzz in Milwaukee. Wright hopes the show will draw enthusiastic audiences here, too.
"We have an incredible director, cast and design team who are passionately investing in this project. They're all just throwing themselves into it. I feel pretty confident that our patrons will find a lot to talk about when they leave the theater."
Director Patrick Holland took on the challenge of directing this adaptation which investigates the darker side of the human psyche through a gripping narrative of murder and betrayal.
"It's very visual and raw. The performance will leave the audience discussing its ambiguities long after seeing the show," says Holland.
"The way Curt and Marilyn, the playwrights, have adapted the play makes the story resonate in a contemporary and psychological way. It's very compelling," Holland says.
Holland says he hopes the show will spark discussion among viewers.
"I hope they argue the play's themes of redemption, Christianity and psychological crime. I also hope the audience walks away wanting to see more productions of theatre like this," says Holland.
