by Mark G. Auerbach
Berkshire Theatre Group , one of the foundations of quality theatre in WMass, has partnered with the ambitious upstart, WAM Theatre to produce the American premiere of the
David Adkins and Corinna May in The Bakelite Masterpiece. Photo by Emma Rothenberg-Ware
Canadian play, Kate Cayley’s The Bakelite Masterpiece at Berkshire Theatre Group’s intimate Unicorn Theatre in Stockbridge. It’s a partnership of note.
WAM, under the leadership of Kristen van Ginhoven, calls itself “Theatre for everyone that benefits women and girls”. It’s known or employing women as playwrights, directors, actors, and production people. It donates a percentage of its box-office proceeds to non-profits that provide programs and services to women and girls.
Van Ginhoven, Canadian-born director, is bringing one of the best representatives of contemporary Canadian theatre to The Berkshires. The subject matter of The Bakelite Masterpiece, set in Holland, resonates with Van Ginhoven, since her family survived World War II in The Netherlands.
In this taut 90-minute drama, punctuated by solid writing, thoughtful staging, and two outstanding performances by David Adkins as an artist and Corinna May as an investigator working to repatriate Holland’s art masterpieces which had been looted by the Nazis, there is a fascinating story told to perfection. At the close of World War II, an artist is about to be prosecuted–and ultimately executed for selling a priceless Vermeer to a Nazi officer. The investigator, an art student, may have witnessed the sale, but the artist claimed that he’d copied Vermeer and created a fraud. She basically says “If you did, recreate another Vermeer that can’t be told apart rom an original.” ’Kate Cayley’s play combines strong characters with elements of a
thriller, and director Kristen Van Ginhoven fuses the performances and production values with satisfying results.
David Adkins and Corinna May are much respected actors on the Berkshire theatre scene. They work together in synch, and both deliver superb performances. There are sequences in which Adkins takes center stage with no dialogue to render breathtaking artistry. May has subtle transitions in her performance that are equally splendid.
David Adkins and Corinna May in The Bakelite Masterpiece. Photo by Emma Rothenberg-Ware
Juliana Von Haubrich’s Dutch prison set is effective, and it’s well-lit by Lily Fossner. Brad Berridge’s sound design is top quality, as are Deborah A. Brothers’ costumes.
The Bakelite Masterpiece is one of the best plays and productions that I’ve seen this season, and seeing WAM and Berkshire Theatre Group in collaboration is one that I hope continues in years to come. Add the polished performances of David Adkins and Corinna May to the mix, and The Bakelite Masterpiece is a great reason to savor some good theatre on a frosty Berkshires autumn night.
The Bakelite Masterpiece runs through October 23.
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The Berkshire Theatre Group and WAM present The Bakelite Masterpiece by Kate Cayley. Directed by Kristen van Ginhoven. Scenic design by Juliana Von Haubrich.. Costume Design by Deborah A. Brothers. Lighting design by Lily Fossner. . Sound Design by Brad Berridge. Cast: David Adkins as Han Van Meergeren and Corinna May as Geert Piller…Through October 23 The Berkshire Theatre Group’s Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge, MA. For tickets: 413-997-4444 or www.berkshiretheatregroup.org.
Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and the Yale School of Drama. He’s worked for arts organizations and reported on theatre for newspapers and radio.
