Past Reviews

Regional Reviews: Philadelphia

The Lady from the Sea
EgoPo Classic Theater


Ed Swidey and Geneviève Perrier
Photo by David Cimetta
Henrik Ibsen made his reputation, and shocked polite 19th century society, by writing of the limited opportunities for women in society in such classics as A Doll's House and Hedda Gabler. He tackled the same subject in his 1888 play The Lady from the Sea, now being revived by EgoPo Classic Theater. But while those other two plays zero in on their theme with precision, and with great success, The Lady from the Sea doesn't work quite as well. It takes detours into romance and mysticism that leave its message a bit muddled. Still, imperfect Ibsen is better than most playwrights at their best, and EgoPo's fine production is never less than fascinating.

Dan Soule's set design consists mostly of white, translucent curtains, but director Brenna Geffers makes the most of this limitation. When a character tells an anecdote set in the distant past (but having much bearing on the present), we see the story acted out, in silhouette, behind the curtains. It's a low-key but effective way of telling the story with clarity. Similarly, during scene changes, Geffers has one of her actors step forward into a spotlight, silently reflecting on what we have seen; it's a subtle way of adding to the drama. The play's title character is haunted by her past, and even in the smallest details, this production seems haunted too.

Geneviève Perrier is serene and self-possessed as Ellida, the titular lady, making Ellida's descent into turmoil and obsession quite touching. Ed Swidey is forceful as Ellida's husband, and Ross Beschler broods effectively as a family friend that the husband turns to for help. And Lee Minora is a hoot, pouting up a storm as Ellida's petulant stepdaughter.

There are a few missteps, though. As the ex-lover who suddenly reappears to tempt Ellida away from her safe existence, Robert Carlton comes off as more creepy than alluring. And casting a woman (Colleen Corcoran) in the minor role of the painter Ballested (normally played by a man) may seem like a good idea, but the role is so small that Ibsen's point about the limitations placed upon women ends up being stressed in the wrong way.

Overall, though, EgoPo's The Lady from the Sea is an effective and absorbing take on a neglected lesser classic.

The Lady from the Sea runs through Sunday, March 2, 2014, and is presented by EgoPo Classic Theater at Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 North American Street, Philadelphia. Tickets are $22-$35 and are available by calling 267-273-1414 or online at www.EgoPo.org.


-- Tim Dunleavy