Written by Karin O’Donnell
An episode in the rocky friendship of D.H. Lawrence, Katherine Mansfield and John Middleton Murry
D.H. Lawrence and Katherine Mansfield were friends. I found this surprising – although I had read works by both authors, I had no idea that New Zealand’s very own Katherine Mansfield would have met the author of works such as Women in Love and that ‘scandalous’ Lady Chatterley’s Lover.
Set during World War One, On the Rocks documents a brief time during the longstanding friendship, when D.H. Lawrence and his German wife Frieda von Richthofen arrange for Katherine and her future husband, John Middleton Murry, to stay in a cottage next-door to their own in a corner of Cornwall. There is a saying that three days is more than enough time to spend with friends. Lawrence, Mansfield, Middleton Murry and Frieda shared three months as close neighbours – a sure recipe for disaster. Lawrence is a figure who, in his enthusiastic and opinionated state, overpowers the more delicate sensibilities of Middleton Murry and Mansfield, and regularly upsets Frieda. As with all stories, conflict makes this sojourn interesting but eventually tears the two couples apart, with Middleton Murry and Mansfield quietly planning an escape from the cold, damp location and the somewhat unfortunate situation.
On the Rocks was written by British playwright Amy Rosenthal, daughter of playwright Jack Rosenthal and comedienne Maureen Lipman. Collating information from writings such as Frieda’s diaries and letters written by Katherine Mansfield, Rosenthal has deftly crafted a humorous and very human story.
Directed by Lara Macgregor, On the Rocks will satisfy anyone with an interest in the writings of D.H. Lawrence and Katherine Mansfield. Even for those who have no interest in the pair as writers, the play is laugh-out-loud funny from opening scene to closing word. Comedic antics from the Lawrences contrast superbly with the quieter Middleton Murrys. Lawrence is played well by Jon Pheloung, last seen in the memorable Saving Grace at The Forge and in Chekhov’s The Seagull, another Court Theatre production.
Ali Harper makes a welcome return to The Court Theatre in a completely different role from where I last saw her in the musical I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Ali’s enjoyment in playing Frieda is evident and she capably carries us along with all the ups and downs associated with being the wife of a man who is abusive yet sensitive.
Court Theatre stalwart Claire Dougan makes a good Katherine Mansfield, a foil, alongside Middleton Murry, to the sometimes wild ravings of Lawrence.
Jason Whyte (John Middleton Murry) has appeared in a range of plays, winning or being nominated for a number of acting awards and boasts an impressive list of acting credits, including roles in Avatar and Eagle vs Shark. Middleton Murry was to become a prolific writer, editor and critic – his first book, Fyodor Dostoevsky: A Critical Study, published in 1916, is mentioned in the play.
The set, by Harold Moot, is well put together and reflects the comedic nature of the play itself. The costuming, by Jenny Cunningham, closely follows the dress of the times to give the play an authentic early 1900s feel.
On the Rocks is a lengthy play – two hours and 50 minutes, including interval – but once you have settled into the characters and become engrossed in the story, you will hardly notice this. Lara Macgregor has done well.
On the Rocks runs at The Court Theatre until 17 July 2010. Book by phone on 03 963 0870 or online at www.courttheatre.org.nz.