PicksInSix Review: Pericles - Royal Shakespeare Company-Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
Vibrant, Imaginative Collaboration Begins With “Pericles”
PicksInSix® Review | Ed Tracy
If the Royal Shakespeare Company’s exhilarating production of Shakespeare’s “Pericles” is, as it was for me, your first introduction to the material live on stage, you are in for an experience that only comes along, in this case, every thirty years or so. There is agreement on an ongoing relationship with RSC and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater which could not be better news for one of Chicago’s most prestigious purveyors of international productions and for the fascination and enjoyment of young and old alike.
Up until now, there is a small amount of chance, and even less opportunity, that a professional production of “Pericles” has eluded my production list over the last five decades. I suspect that I am not alone even though in the last decade Chicago Shakes mounted a production on Navy Pier. The stars were not aligned for me for that production, so except for the reading and some discussion from time to time about the period from 1608-11 that produced “Coriolanus,” “Pericles” and “Cymbeline,” I arrived on Friday night for the opening like everyone else in the capacity crowd: full of anticipation and expectation. I was also determined to answer the question as to whether “Pericles” is firmly among the histories steeped in politics, a work of romance, a swashbuckling tale of adventure or somewhere in between. In the end, it’s abundantly clear that director Tamara Harvey has found the sweetest spot of all: a free-spirited exploration of relationships that explores our inner feelings of unbridled passion, longing and regret, the depths of sorrow and loss, and that ecstatic, often unattainable, joy of reunion.
The story is compelling, lyrical and clever, made more so by the ensemble who reach beyond the page in a way that engages us in not only in the telling, but with a knowing sense that this is a play, richly told and solely for our enjoyment. In the titular role of Pericles, Zach Wyatt is a commanding presence, first as the young lover who justly flees Tyre for his own safety only to suffer a devastating shipwreck, washing ashore in Tarsus where he wins the hand of Thaisa (Leah Haile) with the blessing of her doting father Simonides (Christian Patterson). When Thaisa dies on the return voyage while giving birth to his daughter Marina, Pericles gives up the baby to the care of Cleon (Sasha Ghoshal at this performance) and Dionyza (Gabby Wong). Meanwhile, despite the sorrowful loss and burial at sea of Thaisa, there is a twist or two in store.
Time passes and, with the coming of age of Marina (Rachelle Diedricks), we discover that Dionyza is threatened by her presence and orders Leonine (Sam Parks) to kill her. But the plan is thwarted as Marina is whisked off by pirates and then to a brothel in Mytilene, where despite the dark and threatening environment, she proves her nobility and virtue until the timeworn traveler Pericles returns and father and daughter are miraculously reunited.
Director Harvey’s brisk pacing—and the presence of live musicians—help move the action seamlessly. As Marina, Rachelle Diedricks delivers a heartfelt and multi-faceted performance as she finds her way to her birthright. Notably among the exceptional company, Christian Patterson’s Simonides displays the unceasing love of a father for his daughter Thasia whipped up in an over-the-top performance that is a delight to behold.
Seaworthy elements and a few surprises abound in Jonathan Fensom’s sparse scenic design with massive rows of rope that frame the stage. The bold lighting elements in Ryan Day’s design enhance Kinnetia Isidore’s timeless costumes. With the stellar production of “Pericles,” all bodes well for the vibrant, imaginative collaboration between Chicago Shakes and the RSC that lays ahead.
PHOTO|Johan Persson
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
presents
Royal Shakespeare Company
PERICLES
through December 7, 2024
Courtyard Theater
Navy Pier
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