The Psychology of Murder

Crime and Punishment – Shattered Globe

 

Sometimes one slaves over his plans for an event, rationalizes it to death and even envisions its aftermath. Such is this, Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s classic story of psychological torment and ethical quandary haunting impoverished Russian student Rodion Raskolnikov, as he plots to rob and kill a mercenary pawnbroker. In his new adaptation, Chris Hannan has nicely captured many of the main characters, as well as the basic plot and dark tone of the author’s lengthy, 1866 psychological masterpiece, while successfully paring it down into a two-and-a-half hour theatrical event. This gritty, in-your-face production marks the opening of Shattered Globe’s 28th, ensemble-oriented season opening of this multi-Jeff Award-winning company.

The play’s young protagonist suffers both from poverty and a dual personality. While residing in his tiny, austere attic room, Raskolnikov devises a plan to murder the repugnant pawnbroker Alonya, both to rid the world of such a despicable creature while putting her money to better use. He theorizes that there are two kinds of people in this world: the mere ordinary and those who are extraordinary, the Supermen, like Napoleon, who not only have the right but the obligation to kill and relieve the world of its vermin. Throughout the play, Raskolnikov continually reaffirms his belief that, as an extraordinary individual, his heinous crime is justified; however, he’s haunted by ghosts, visions, bad dreams and illness as a result of his deed.

Raskolnikov is perfectly portrayed by Drew Schad, who might’ve been precisely what Dostoyevsky pictured while creating his antihero. Schad not only matches the author’s description of his character (“handsome, above average in height, slim, with dark eyes and dark brown hair”), he also plays Raskolnikov’s dual personality beautifully. At times cold, menacing and antisocial, Mr. Schad also provides moments of warmth and caring to his characterization. This duality is best shown in his scenes with Sonia, the prostitute he tries to help, but who ends up helping him toward confession of his crime, thus relieving Raskolnikov of his guilt. Drew Schad’s gnawing guilt and twitchy uneasiness, which he controls to varying degrees throughout the story, is continually well-acted.

Patrick Thornton, so excellent in Shattered Globe’s “For Peter Pan on her 70th Birthday,” plays Porfiry Petrovich, the irritatingly civil detective in charge of the case. Just as successful as Mr. Schad, Thornton’s quirky, gentlemanly portrayal of this government official, who enjoys using mind games to extract confession when sound evidence is lacking, provides a nice contrast. This talented actor makes us understand why Raskolnikov would be intimidated by his almost ghoulish presence. Darren Jones’ portrayal of Marmeladov, Sonia’s hopelessly drunk father, is strong, sad and memorable, but sometimes borders a little on caricature. And Joseph Wiens, one of Chicago’s finest and hardest-working actors, beautifully plays Dmitry Razumikhin, Raskolnikov’s handsome, loyal friend and the voice of reason in this play.  

Founding company member, Rebecca Jordan, plays a couple of the supporting female roles, but her Katerina, Marmeladov’s consumptive and ill-tempered wife, is her best character. Making her Shattered Globe debut, and definitely up to the challenge, lovely lady in red, Ilse Zacharias creates a captivating character in Sonia, the hooker with a heart of gold. Because she’s been forced into prostitution, in order to provide for her family, her character shares Raskolnikov’s shame and alienation. She is a kind of Russian Mary Magdalene, in this story. 

As both the scathing, repulsive pawnbroker Alonya and Raskolnikov’s hopeful, loving mother, artistic associate Daria Harper is beguiling. The multitalented Christina Gorman not only plays Dunya, the antihero’s overbearing, but supportive, sister, but she also serves as both the fight and intimacy choreographer for this production. And a newcomer to this company, Jazzma Pryor makes her much-welcome debut playing a whole variety of bodacious characters. Hopefully we’ll be seeing a lot more of this fine actress in the near future. 

In a production that focuses more on the punishment than the crime, director Louis Contey has competently staged his 11-member ensemble cast, keeping his talented actors in check. As the play swirls and winds its way round the intimate setting, he sees that each character has his own moment. Ultimately, Contey drives to story toward the finish line, guiding Drew Schad’s performance of restrained fixation and his dual personality, while allowing the supporting cast the necessary range to create Dostoyevsky’s sizable cast of characters. 

Nick Mozak’s sparse scenic design works well in this tiny venue and allows for great flexibility. This environment is additionally enriched by Shelley Strasser’s modest lighting. Hailey Rakowiecki’s strange costume choices give a Goth look to this 19th century story.  If, however, a theatergoer isn’t already familiar with this Russian masterpiece, this reviewer’s advice is to simply settle back, open your mind and let this production flow over you, like Sonya’s unfading love.     

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

 

Presented September 6-October 20 by Shattered Globe Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 773-975-8150 or by going to www.shatteredglobe.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.