Pure opens 'Tragedian' in church

The Circular Congregational Church will serve as a theater, temporarily at least.

"The Tragedian," written by and starring Pure Theatre co-founder Rodney Lee Rogers, will open Thursday at the church, a recent change in venue from the theater's black box theater at the Cigar Factory, which is being sold as condominiums.

Rogers, who is also the playwright-in-residence at Pure Theatre, says "The Tragedian" is "an explosive portrait of Edwin Booth, who is viewed by many as one of the most brilliant theatrical artists in history."

Rogers also notes that Booth is the older brother of President Lincoln's assassin John Wilkes Booth, who was also an actor.

To create this portrait of Edwin Booth, Rogers has done extensive research for the script, which will be directed by Peter Karapetkov of Washington, D.C. Karapetkov also has directed "The Pillowman" and other plays at Pure Theatre.

Rogers says his one-man play draws material from the many Shakespearean plays in which Edwin Booth performed and from letters written by Booth and his family.

"I also included articles and reviews about him," says Rogers. "In this play, the text from 'Hamlet' plays a very large part since Booth performed the role of Hamlet from age 19 until he was in his 60s. Such a vast context of one part is amazing, and many of the Hamlets that Booth performed range from the young to the old."

The playwright adds, "The changes in the nuances of Booth's life coincide with his interpretation of the role; the effect is to witness him age before your eyes."

The Atlantic Monthly said of Booth, "Through his Hamlet, Edwin Booth made upon the whole his deepest and surest impression. ... he elected to represent Hamlet in a style far less familiar and far more remote from ordinary life than he (has) used for any other character in his large repertory. ... There is a fine fitness in that closeness of association between Edwin Booth and Hamlet the Dane, which is to abide as long as the man and his art and life are remembered."

"The Tragedian" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, continuing Jan. 24-26, 30, 31 and Feb. 1 and 2 at the Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. All seats are $25, and tickets can be purchased at the door. For information, call 723-4444.

Reach Dottie Ashley at 937-5704 or dashley@postandcourier.com.