Crime and Punishment
Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, was first written and presented in twelve monthly installments in a Russian literary journal, The Russian Messenger, in 1866. In a new adaptation of this classic by Marilyn Campbell and Curt Colombus, this tale of crime and misery is astutely told in just ninety minutes in a production at A Noise Within in Glendale.
Performed by three phenomenal actors, directed by Craig Belknap, the story takes place in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1865. It is actually occurs in dream sequences by a Russian student, Raskolnikov (Michael A. Newcomer) who is poor and in need of money to help his family. He plans to rob and kill the disagreeable pawn broker Alyona (Holly Hawkins). Unfortunately, her sister Lizaveta (also played by Hawkins) arrives upon the scene and Raskolnikov kills her as well. After this botched scene, Raskolnikov becomes haunted, and though Inspector Porfiry (Robertson Dean), has no evidence against him, by reason of his unorthodox behavior, he suspects Raskolnikov of the murders. The following scenes bring Porfiry back to question Raskolnikov in order to break him down.
This is a drama in which period music and eerie effects, as well as Jame P. Taylor’s lighting, and the outstanding performances by the three cast members, add to the tension of this highly provocative production. Robertson Dean and Holly Hawkins take on the roles of several characters with ease.
Crime and Punishment will continue through December 17, 2009. Recommended.
A Noise Within
234 South Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA
Tickets and further information: (828) 240-0910, ext. 1,
www.anoisewithin.org