A Play in Letters

Dear Elizabeth

Beginning in 1947, the intimate thirty-year friendship between two brilliantly talented writers becomes the subject of Sarah Ruhl’s work, “DEAR ELIZABETH: A PLAY IN LETTERS. Adapted in 2012 from Words in the Air: The Complete Correspondence Between Robert Lowell and Elizabeth Bishop, Ruhl’s play fills in the blanks. The two 20th century literary giants’ epistolary relationship began when American poet Elizabeth Bishop wrote a fan letter to fellow poet and contemporary, Robert Lowell. More than 400 pieces of correspondence connected these two writers over three decades. Their relationship was close and almost romantic, but remained strictly platonic throughout the years. Although the pair never married, they shared a love, along with a profound admiration and respect for each other’s works. Robert wrote to Elizabeth, “I seem to spend my life missing you,” which sums up how close they were until Robert’s death in 1977.

In this exquisite little jewel of a play, directed with creativity, care and consciousness by Christina Casano, the colorful language from the missives soars and feels almost like poetry. Ms. Casano skillfully brings the two artists to life on a stage that’s anchored at each end by the writers’ desks, and strewn with dozens of books, trunks and suitcases. Catalina Nino’s rustic Scenic Design provides different levels for the actors, along with surprising secret doors, chutes and ladders. The ethereal ambiance of the play is a result of a wash of wonderful moving Projections, created by John Boesche. Christopher Kriz’s Original Music and Sound Design and Maximo Grano De Oro’s misty Lighting add another level of fine artistry to the look and sound of this production.

During the course of Ruhl’s play, the geographical distance between the Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell broadened, but only served to deepen their devotion to one another. They both lived hectic lives filled with plenty of ups and downs. Each experienced love, personal tragedy, coupled at least once with someone special and Robert fathered a couple children. Both writers’ careers blossomed, fell apart and then roared back anew. Accolades and fellowships were bestowed and both the public and literary critics alternately praised and condemned their writing. But throughout their tumultuous lives, Robert and Elizabeth were always there for each other through their letters.

I can’t imagine a finer cast. Leah Karpel plays Elizabeth with an intense fervor balanced by her character’s artistry, curiosity, an ever-present restlessness and wanderlust. Besides demonstrating  honesty in her portrayal and tons of talent, Ms. Karpel brings with her a vast resume of acclaimed productions at some of Chicago’s most respected theatres. They include THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK at Writers Theatre and THE WHALE with Victory Gardens. Christopher Sheard is magnificent as Robert. He creates a multilayered character who seems as smart, caring and vulnerable as theatergoers would expect from such a talented and sensitive poet. Mr. Sheard’s been enjoyed at Writers Theatre in THE LAST MATCH and ARCADIA, at Definition Theatre in A DOLL’S HOUSE and has appeared several times in the Goodman’s annual production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL.

It almost seems like serendipity that Theater Wit is presenting a pair of Sarah Ruhl plays in two of their three venues. This is a lovely, often humorous, deeply sensitive and ultimately heartbreaking play that’s told through letters. It’s a production that touches the heart and soul. The biographical story soars with eloquence and compassion, empathy and humanity. For lovers of language and literature, there can be no finer theatrical offering in Chicago than Remy Bumppo’s wonderful production of DEAR ELIZABETH.    

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented October 17-November 17 by Remy Bumppo at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago.

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

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