Veronica’s Room
by
Ira Levin
From 21st February 2005
To 26th February 2005
Description
This absorbing spider’s web, entwining fantasy and reality begins in 1973. Susan Kerner, a young Boston college student and Larry Eastwood a young lawyer she’s just met, have been enticed to the Brabissant mansion by the Mackey’s a charming elderly couple who are struck by Susan’s strong resemblance to Veronica Brabissant, long-dead daughter of the family for whom they work. They view Veronica’s picture in her room, untouched by time.
Susan is induced to impersonate Veronica for a while to solace the only living Brabissant, her addled sister, living in the past and believing Veronica’s alive and angry with her. But once dressed in Veronica's clothes, Susan finds herself locked in the role - and locked in Veronica's room. Or is she Veronica, in 1935, pretending to be an imaginary Susan? From the author of Rosemary's Baby, comes a compelling psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Directors Notes
Veronica's Room is a fascinating gothic melodrama, with a complex plot full of tricks and surprises. I won't give a way too much, I hope, if I tempt you by saying that it involves multiple personalities, perverse role playing, ancient guilt, incest, murder and deceit. The masterful way in which the playwright constructs this very clever puzzle will have you on the edge of your seats.
Ira Levin brewed up fascinating witchery in Rosemary's Baby and startled us silly with surprises in Deathtrap. Here again he lets that bizarre imagination loose. We are in a haunted room. We see dream-like personae acting out their poisoned lives. It's an intriguing evening--a great Freudian swirl of projected guilt and punishment by proxy in a desperate struggle for absolution.
Sit back, relax if you can..you cannot fail to be intrigued.