A captivating tale of a playwright's obsession unfolds in 'Dear Liar', a play that brings to life the intense relationship between George Bernard Shaw and Mrs. Patrick Campbell, the original Eliza in Shaw's masterpiece, Pygmalion.
Imagine a young soldier, Jerome Kilty, knocking on Shaw's door during WWII, only to be warmly welcomed by the legendary playwright. This encounter sparked Kilty's own creative journey, leading to the creation of 'Dear Liar'. But here's where it gets intriguing: the play is based on the passionate yet unfulfilled correspondence between Shaw and Campbell.
As Shaw's plays fade from popularity, why revisit this ancient feud? The answer lies in the captivating performances of Rachel Pickup and Alan Turkington, who embody the larger-than-life personas of Shaw and Campbell, navigating a delicate dance between romance and rivalry.
The play opens with the struggle to bring Pygmalion to the stage. Campbell's bold declaration, 'I will be your pretty slut,' sets the tone for a negotiation filled with emotional turmoil and flirtatious banter. Shaw, ever the dramatic, retorts, 'I will sit here and howl.' Their fiery exchanges and temperamental natures threaten to derail the production, but it ultimately succeeds.
But the real drama unfolds as their relationship unravels. When they attempt to exploit their connection for artistic gain, the cracks begin to show. Shaw's pacifist beliefs, rather than soothing, enrage him when Campbell's son is lost to the war. And this is the part most people miss: the psychological depth of Campbell's character, often overlooked as a mere diva, is now being reevaluated by scholars.
The production, however, doesn't always do justice to the script. While the actors' gazes into the distance, anticipating the impact of their letters, create touching moments, the declamatory style of their exchanges can feel forced. The set design, featuring calico-clad actors with a cartoon of Shaw on Turkington's T-shirt, adds a playful touch.
Pickup and Turkington deliver powerful performances, capturing the essence of their characters. Pickup's quivering earrings reflect her character's outrage, while Turkington's petulant posture hints at his vulnerability. Their interactions are laced with desire, leaving the audience to wonder if their relationship is more than just a playful game.
Are these two artists, as Campbell suggests, 'lustless lions at play'? Kilty's play explores this question, shedding light on the complex dynamics between two creative geniuses. Despite some dusty elements, the play captivates with its portrayal of their mutual fascination.
'Dear Liar' is a must-see for those intrigued by the intersection of art and life, where the boundaries between reality and fiction blur. But be warned: it might spark debates about the true nature of Shaw and Campbell's relationship. Do you think their connection was purely artistic, or was there more beneath the surface? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
