The Caretaker
By Harold Pinter
In “The Caretaker,” which was first staged in London’s West End in April of 1960, we meet two brothers: Aston, a mentally damaged yet gentle and lonely soul, and Mick, his neurotic and anger-fueled younger sibling who is the landlord of their dilapidated flat. One day, Aston brings home a down-and-out vagabond named Davies, a mysterious stranger who turns out to be an exception to that old saying “beggars can’t be choosers.” Because as Davies reveals more of his ungrateful streak, and unsuccessfully tries to play one brother against another in a misguided attempt to ingratiate himself permanently into their household, he ultimately overstays his welcome and is evicted despite his angst-ridden cries—”Where am I going to go? What am I going to do?”—that end the play.
Three actors. Three acts. Three hours. Curious Theatre Branch’s engaging production of Harold Pinter’s The Caretaker is must-see theatre. Colm O’Reilly, Jeff Bivens, and the incomparable Beau O’Reilly crackle onstage — as slowly as a dying bonfire. This cast of three needs no one else to rush in and set everything right — no deus ex machina, no smirking Ralph Furley; real life never has a denouement at the Regal Beagle
-Via J. Scott Hill, Chicago Stage Review
Curious Theatre Branch's "The Caretaker" is a uniquely profound piece of delicate and intense theater. If restraint is what makes the artists, these are masters at work. This rare and wonderful accomplishment will linger with you long after the play is over."
-Via Venus Zarris, Chicago Stage and Screen
