Pear Avenue Theatre to Present BETRAYAL, 1/17-2/22

The Pear Avenue Theatre presents Harold Pinter's enduring investigation of modern relationships, BETRAYAL, a stunning portrayal of a marriage in disintegration, but seen in reverse chronology. Directed by Ray Renati, the production opens January 30 and runs through February 22, 2015.

Widely regarded as one of Pinter's masterpieces, written in 1978, BETRAYAL chronicles the beginning and end of a seven-year affair. Robert and Emma and Robert's friend, Jerry (who is also married), become entangled as Emma and Jerry embark on a clandestine relationship, betraying Robert. But Emma reveals the affair to Robert after several years, betraying Jerry, who doesn't know that Robert knows. Or does he? Pinter's brilliant dialogue is spare, covert, and mysterious, and often we are left wondering who really knows what. The playwright's clever device is to reveal the affair and relationships in mixed chronology, from finish to start, with startling clarity. Roger Ebert noted, "The Betrayal structure strips away all artifice. It shows, heartlessly, that the very capacity for love itself is sometimes based on betraying not only other loved ones, but even ourselves."

Award-winning director and actor Ray Renati* helms the production, featuring Bill Olson* as Robert, Maryssa Wanlass* as Emma, and William J. Brown III as Jerry. Andre Abrahamians appears as a Waiter. (*Member, Actors Equity Association)