![]() Yet I am still haunted daily by the image of her with another man, and by memories of the happy family holiday we had around that time, which now feels tainted by what she disingenuously describes as a "horrible" secret. We told hardly anyone, our sex life is better than ever, and it does not feel as if we need counselling. “ The Wife of Willesden” at the American Repertory Theater’s Loeb Drama Center runs now through March 17.Much of that harm has now been repaired. Showgoers should not expect the original story’s use of Middle English (in fact, here’s a guide to the British slang and Jamaican patois used in the play) nor its restraint, but what one should expect is an animated tale with a diverse set of characters - including a very funny Nigerian priest (George Eggay) - who have made this old, European classic their own. She loves pleasure and a good time and isn’t willing to bend to the will of others. Troy Glasgow, Clare Perkins and the company of "The Wife of Willesden." (Courtesy Marc Brenner)Ĭomposers and sound designers Ben and Max Ringham shine too, with Chaka Khan’s “I Feel for You” and Chic’s “Le Freak” pumping out of the speakers at the start of the show, readying the crowd for a very-straight talking Alvita.Īlvita - who has a long prologue too, just like Chaucer wrote - is not the most reliable narrator, but she is true to herself, even if that makes others uncomfortable. The pub constructed by designer Robert Jones feels cozy and nostalgic (at least to me, who spent a summer abroad in London frequenting local pubs in search of the best fish and chips) with its dark brown wood and red finishings. Some of the best moments of the show come from the sheer energy of the cast during what feels like impromptu dance parties, complete with a shimmering disco ball and an array of lights behind the bottles of the bar from lighting designer Guy Hoare. Smith wrote the text in rhyming couplets, but the cast’s natural delivery keeps it rhythmic without feeling like a nursery rhyme. ![]() ![]() In Smith’s play, the story moves to Jamaica, where the knight is a Maroon man who must find the answer to the question and face Queen Nanny (a regal Jessica Murrain), and Thomas cleverly shows him the way. In Chaucer’s version, the queen tasks a knight with finding out what women most desire or face death for his crimes, and an old woman shows him the way. Thomas also doubles as an older woman who must teach a young man a lesson. From the moment Thomas’ Aunty P utters, “Ya nah know Christ?” early in the show, it’s evident that she’s an ardent performer. Perkins has had a long career onstage - starring in “The Hounding of David Oluwale” about the death of a Black man by police and “Sweat” - and on television in “The Outlaws” and “EastEnders.” Marcus Adolphy, Scott Miller, George Eggay, Ellen Thomas, Claudia Grant and Andrew Frame in "The Wife of Willesden." (Courtesy Marc Brenner)Īlvita’s Aunty P (Ellen Thomas) is excellent. The gifted Clare Perkins as Alvita leads a talented ensemble who portray various colorful characters from a very religious aunty to a bubbly ride-or-die bestie to a Polish bailiff. “ The Wife of Willesden,” deftly directed by Indhu Rubasingham at the American Repertory Theater, runs through March 17. Smith, author of the acclaimed novel “White Teeth,” stepped up to the plate and delivered a hilarious, updated tale with the bawdy protagonist, Alvita with “The Wife of Willesden.” Smith nods to her heritage - she’s biracial, Jamaican and English - and centered the neighborhood of Willesden where she grew up. When attempting to reimagine something, how does one stay true to the spirit of the inspirational text, in this case Chaucer, while honoring their voice and still end up with something recognizable or good? Tampering with classics can be challenging. ![]() ![]() “The Wife of Willesden” is author Zadie Smith’s stage adaptation of Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Wife of Bath” story from “The Canterbury Tales.” It centers on the life of Alvita, a working woman married multiple times. The notorious Alvita - who has had five husbands and would bed five more if she wanted to - is heralded as “The Wife of Willesden.” In this London neighborhood, she’s a legend, a great storyteller who manipulates to get her way and always seeks pleasure. Facebook Email Scott Miller, Marcus Adolphy, Clare Perkins and the company of "The Wife of Willesden." (Courtesy Marc Brenner)Ī dark, fully stocked pub is where locals, including Alvita, a middle-aged Jamaican woman, gather to drink and chat. ![]()
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