Theatre Intime at Princeton University presents a staging of Edward Albee’s 2002 play.
By: Stuart Duncan
There seems little question that Edward Albee’s great plays are behind him Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and perhaps Tiny Alice. But now that he has returned from his extended stay in Paris, he continues to write provocative, even disturbing works. In addition, he shows up at spots along the East Coast from time to time.
For example, he spoke at Two River Theatre in Red Bank just before the opening night revival of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting For Godot. Beckett and Albee knew each other in Paris and Albee shared some of his insights into Beckett’s works to an eager audience. His 2002 play carries an obtuse title: The Goat or Who Is Sylvia? It even has a subtitle: "Notes towards a definition of tragedy." The work is being given a very powerful production by Theatre Intime on the Princeton University campus.
Albee’s title may tell you all you need know about the plot, although the subtitle seems a bit pretentious. Martin is celebrating his 50th birthday and he would seem to have it all made. He is at the top of his profession, with new awards and his largest ever contract ahead. He is admired by all and shares a 22-year marriage with his wife, Stevie. His best friend of many years, Ross, shows up with recording equipment, prepared to conduct an interview for local TV.
Ross, who is something of a prude, senses something not quite "right" with Martin and pries it from his friend. Martin is having an affair; he still claims to love his wife as much as ever, but nonetheless, he is most certainly having an affair. It is both spiritual and physical, but it is with a goat named Sylvia. He explains their first meeting in considerable detail. And Ross, apparently more of a prude than previously thought, decides to write a letter to Stevie, sharing the information. Watching, more or less from the sideline is Martin and Stevie’s son, Billy.
The play is performed in three scenes, but without intermission, and by scene two, things heat up pretty well. Stevie smashes most of the pottery and glassware around the room and heaves huge piles of books from their usual spots in the case. Billy tries to hide in his room, but the ruckus is too loud. Ross shows up again, apparently just to get in on the fun.
In less capable hands, this might invite fury or ennui, but the Intime cast, under the seamless direction of sophomore Whitney Mosery, is superb. Joshua Williams (as Martin) is tortured (not henpecked as some might play it). Stevie (Ashley Johnson) shows just enough vitriol to suggest that life with her might not have been as easy as the 22 years suggests. Shawn Fennell, as Billy, finds just the right combination of teenage certainty and adolescent insecurity. And Max Staller plays Ross with such executive snobbery that you want to help Martin find a new best friend.
Playwright Albee manipulates his audience with the prowess of one who has been doing it for years. What is exciting in this production is the evident glee with which a young cast and director pick up his threads and weave them into a delicious pattern, finding all the humor therein, as well as the disturbing arguments. Don’t let the title keep you from seeing this little gem.
The Goat or Who Is Sylvia? continues at Theatre Intime, Hamilton Murray Theater, Princeton University, through April 8. Performances: Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2, 8 p.m. Tickets cost $12, $10 seniors/faculty/staff, $6 students. For information, call (609) 258-1742. On the Web: www.theatreintime.org

