Like a circle in a spiral, a wheel within a wheel, we are drawn in to the world of Harold Pinter’s The Caretaker through basic human pathos. The room we see looks like it belongs to someone in the midst of a project or on their way to becoming a hoarder. It is definitely a space in progress and like an Escher staircase, it is both an ascent and a descent, with madness as the destination. But whose?
Bonnie Monte, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Artistic Director, is at the helm of this production. She had sought the rights for a number of years and though COVID threw a spanner in the works, the rights were secured and a dream team of actors and production assembled, creating an unforgettable experience.
Disturbing from the jump, we meet Aston (Isaac Hickox-Young),a young reclusive man who loves tinkering. Machines and sometimes people are his subject which is how we meet Davies (Paul Mullins). Davies has been living rough most of his life and typifies the “what’s in it for me” school of thought that seems very modern in a nearly 60 year old play. Nice callback there, for those who know that this play and STNJ were created around the same time. In fact, is Aston helping Davies from the goodness of his heart, or does he have another reason? Add Aston’s younger brother Mick (Jon Barker) who is a street-wise artist in his own right – twisting words as adroitly as Fate has twisted these three together.
This is a play in three acts with thrumming tension that grips you throughout. Sarah Beth Hall’s set design speaks thousands of words as your eye dances around the actors as they move through it, guided by Matthew Adelson’s lighting design. Karin Graybash’s sound design adds to the sense of wonder, menace and the elements and Ms. Monte also designed the costumes. Julie Foh is the dialect coach who provides the verisimilitude of West London authenticity and Denise Cardarelli holds it all together as Stage Manager.
Habitues of STNJ may mostly know Paul Mullins as a director, not having seen him act in some time. He hits every mark as he is moved like a weather vane with his allegiance to which brother at which time in a perfection of quasi-bewilderment. Who is telling him the truth? Isaac Hickox-Young’s Aston is haunting and with 21st century eyes, we see him in a way that is meta-real. This portrayal is considered, and superbly crafted. Jon Barker as Mick is on the razor’s edge of violence and the razor is so sharp you won’t feel the cut until you see the blood.
Jump on this dark, delicious ride! See this show with friends and let it all wash over you. Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s The Caretaker only runs through October 9! Reserve now at www.ShakespeareNJ.org, fasten your seatbelts for a ride you won’t forget.