Written by Donald
Margulies
Directed by Luke
Rogers
Chaika Theatre at the
ACTHub, Kingston to 12 November
Reviewed by Len Power
28 October 2022
When is a person's life events suitable for another to use
in their own creative process? That is
the question posed in Donald Margulies’ play, ‘Collected Stories’. It is also an unflinching look at honour,
trust, friendship, perceived betrayal and plagiarism set in the literary world of
New York in the early 90s.
Lisa Morrison, a student played by Natasha Vickery, attends
a tutorial in 1992 in the home of Ruth, her lecturer and respected short story
writer, played by Karen Vickery. Very aware
initially of Ruth’s reputation, Lisa strikes up a close teacher-mentor-friend
relationship with Ruth which is viewed over the next six years. In that time, Ruth tells of a long-ago love
affair which Lisa uses, without telling Ruth, as the basis of her first novel.
Unlike in the movie, ‘All About Eve’, there is no overt
treachery here. Lisa retains her
friendship and respect for Ruth and believes she has a right to use the deeply
personal story Ruth has told her in an unguarded moment. Lisa cannot understand that she has caused
Ruth a deep and lasting hurt.
A brilliant character study of these two women, it delves
deep into the relationship of teacher and student, looking at friendship and whether
confidences shared are fair game in the literary world. It poses the ethical question – is a story
told still owned by the teller?
This two-handed play offers great roles for two women. At the start of the play, we see Ruth in
control as the teacher - tough, worldly-wise and intimidating to a student in
awe of her literary achievements. Lisa,
the student is nervous and unsure of herself and eager to please. They couldn’t be more different. As the years progress, Ruth drops her
guard. Lisa becomes more confident, publishing
a set of short stories and thinking about moving on to writing a novel.
 |
| Karen Vickery as Ruth |
As Ruth, Karen Vickery gives a performance of great skill – tough,
intelligent, with moments of unexpected warmth, hints of loneliness and past
regrets. There is never a moment when
she does not convince. Natasha Vickery
as Lisa, also gives a very strong performance.
She has the challenge of introducing subtle changes as Lisa matures over
the years, hinting at past emotional damage and she is completely successful. Both women live their characters to a very
realistic degree.
 |
| Natasha Vickery as Lisa |
Very well-directed by Luke Rogers, on a set that convincingly
evokes New York and Ruth’s literary life-style, the story is compelling and
told with humour as well as being dramatic.
Watching these two top performers playing it is a treat in
itself.
Photos by Jane Duong
Len Power's reviews
are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’
programs.
