By David Gardette.
30 years after its premiere at Playbox Theatre, “Honour” by Joanna Murray-Smith is celebrated with an anniversary season by Red Stitch Actors Theatre.
Murray-Smith’s landmark play follows Honor, who must cope with the collapse of her marriage after thirty-two years when her husband George leaves her for Claudia, a younger woman. In the aftermath, Honor confronts not only her broken marriage but also the sacrifices she’s made for her family and the career she abandoned. The play’s sharp, often darkly comic language and emotional depth are its driving forces.
Caroline Lee’s portrayal of Honor is heartbreakingly stoic, capturing the complexity of a woman betrayed but not broken. Peter Houghton’s George is convincingly selfish, embodying a man who, in his pursuit of passion, loses sight of his own moral principles. Houghton plays George with a determined but increasingly hollow intensity, which contrasts effectively with Honor’s steadiness.
Lucinda Smith, in her Red Stitch debut as Sophie, the couple’s daughter, brings a youthful energy to the stage. Sophie’s emotional journey, caught between love for her mother and anger at her father, is raw and compelling, navigating her character’s transition from daughter to independent adult. Ella Ferris as Claudia, George’s new lover, evolves throughout the play as she grapples with the implications of her actions, taking her to a deeper understanding of responsibility.
Sam Strong’s direction is tight and focused, bringing the emotional intensity of Murray-Smith’s language to life. The minimalist set design by Jacob Battista and Sophie Woodward gives space to the sharp exchanges of dialogue and allows us to focus on the characters, complimenting the play’s sentiment, ensuring that the focus remains on the relationships.
Red Stitch’s one-act, 90-minute performance ensures the 30-year-old “Honour” remains a compelling exploration of love, betrayal and reinvention, anchored by strong performances and direction.
Bookings: www.redstitch.net
Image: James Reiser
