An Exploration of Dreams and Marital Strain in Gift Theatre’s ‘Marble’

In the new production by Gift Theatre, ‘Marble’ draws audiences into a puzzling world of dreams and marital complexities. Two married men, Art and Ben, engage in a revealing conversation over drinks. Art shares that he dreamt of being intimate with Ben’s wife, with the experience taking place in an indistinct setting adorned with marble. Similarly, his enjoyment is clear. Upon returning home, Ben learns from his wife, Catherine, that she too had a dream involving intimacy with Art, with the same marble backdrop.

These coinciding dreams form the core of ‘Marble’, penned by Marina Carr, a distinguished playwright. They prompt a series of questions: coincidence, jest, a mystical connection, or a veiled message signaling the end of both marriages. The play keeps viewers engrossed, ensuring you’ll remain intrigued throughout.

Originally premiered at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre in 2009, this compelling piece reaches Chicago for the first time. The narrative captures the dissolution of two middle-aged marriages, hinting at the husbands’ inability to fully understand or adapt to their wives’ evolving personas. This emotional exploration resembles the works of Harold Pinter and Edward Albee.

The story focuses on the two women amidst these fraught relationships. The husbands, often oblivious, continue in their unexamined lives until forced to confront reality. Brittany Burch and Cyd Blakewell harness the depth of their roles in this production directed by Kay Martinovich. Burch’s portrayal of Catherine reveals a woman yearning for fulfillment, her dreams set amidst the luxury of marble. In contrast, Blakewell’s Anne is seen battling and numbing her emotions with wine.

The male characters bring their complexities to the fore. Paul D’Addario portrays a character mostly as a blank slate, while John Gawlik plays a man troubled by involuntary dreams, becoming increasingly despondent.

‘Marble’ delves into philosophical inquiries through poetic dialogue. Catherine questions the reasons behind our desires, evoking images of characters from classic plays like ‘A Doll’s House’. The play examines how spousal resentment can morph over time, sometimes leading to fantasy or the extinction of desire.

The production is laced with humor and poetic flair despite the intense theme. Gift Theatre’s use of the space presents some challenges, but the talent of its actors shines through. Chicago theatergoers familiar with Gift Theatre’s high-quality performances will find themselves satisfied with this intricate portrayal of marriage.

Catch the performance through August 30 at the Copernicus Center. It’s a thought-provoking piece encouraging introspection, whether you attend with a partner or solo.