The late Nobel Prize-winning English playwright, screenwriter, director and actor Harold Pinter had an illustrious career, to say the least. But among his impressive repertoire, one of his most celebrated plays has to be Betrayal, an innovative piece of work that utilises reverse chronology in its plot structure. Inspired by Pinter’s extramarital affair with Joan Blakewell, the play revolves around a love triangle between Emma, her husband Robert, and his best friend Jerry.
If you were wondering what we meant by a “double take” in the title, here’s the deal: For the upcoming adaptation at KLPAC, Joe Hasham OAM will be taking on the challenge of his lifetime—he’ll be directing Betrayal in both English and Bahasa Malaysia, but as two separate shows, to be performed by the same cast on alternate nights.
“Pinter’s genius is showcased in the dialogues he has written,” says Joe. “Each dialogue, though minimal, can convey a myriad of meanings. Much of the dialogue is also punctuated with pauses—pauses which are important and crucial in the setting up of each scene. Every line, every word, every moment, every pause has an intrinsic influence on the outcome of the ten year journey of the play.”
You may expect a major play to be performed at Pentas 1, but instead, Betrayal will be staged at indicine—a venue known for its intimate setting. This, Joe says, also challenges his technical abilities. But we trust with the reputable screenplay, Joe’s experience, and the stellar line-up of cast—among them Stephanie Van Driesen, Omar Ali, Razif Hashim and Jad Hidhir—the adaptation of Betrayal at KLPAC is certainly one not to be missed.
‘Betrayal’ will run at KLPAC from 19 May to 4 June 2017. For more information, visit klpac.org or call 03-40479000.
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