The Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company is about to stage a new adaptation of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s “Crime and Punishment.”
Yes, that intimidating Russian opus you pretended to read in school. That mind-numbing, 19th-century treatise on the base nature of man and the human condition. That grinding, existential journey through moral despair. More than 500 pages of fun.
This brings immediate questions to mind. Like: “Will breakfast be served when it’s over?”
Hold the snark, says company co-founder Stephen Weitz, also an actor playing Snug the Lion in the Denver Center Theatre Company’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
This adaptation reimagines “Crime and Punishment” as a taut, visceral — and quick — psychological thriller, he says.
In other words, the opposite of what you might expect.
“Thankfully, the adapters have stripped it down to a fast-moving, 90-minute format with just three actors,” said Weitz.
“It’s actually quite impressive the way they’ve managed to get to the real marrow of the book without sacrificing the integrity of the story. So, no, there won’t be any breakfast. Though you may find yourself looking for a drink afterward. Vodka, anyone?”
Hmmm . . . “Vodka with Rodka?” A marketer’s dream. Still, we have more questions.
Denver Post: OK, right off: that name, “Fyodor Dostoyevsky.” I could have sworn there were at least two more y’s in it.
Stephen Weitz: Actually, I think there are like three more names in that name. I never cease to be amazed by how many names Russians and their literary characters have.
Post Don’t get me started on your protagonist: Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov. Or “Rodya” to his friends. Or “Rodka.” Or . . . OK, anyway: Tell us how this adaptation will make for an engaging night of theater.
Weitz: A little TV cop-drama. A little film-noir. Prostitutes. Drunkards. Ax murders. Biblical miracles. What’s not to like?
Post: “C&P” is a masterpiece, no one can deny that. But no matter how you slice it, Dostoyevsky is a tough sell. How are you going about selling this show to the public, and what response are you getting?
Weitz: It’s a two-pronged attack. There are a lot of big fans of the book out there, and we certainly want to present them with a chance to see their beloved classic brought to life. On the other hand, for people who might be intimidated by the book, we want them to know it’s been reconceived in a way that is accessible and exciting for all theatergoers. People seem genuinely excited. In addition to our ticket-buyers, we’ve got close to 1,000 high-school students coming to see the show. So it’s striking a chord.
Post: So here’s my fun little piece of “C&P” trivia: The TV detective Columbo, played by Peter Falk, was based on Porfiry Petrovich. What have you got?
Weitz: Dostoyevsky believed Shakespeare was “a prophet sent by God to proclaim to us the mystery of man and the human soul.” How do you like that?
Post: I give you Columbo, you give me Shakespeare, smarty-pants. Anyway, let’s cross some generations. Dostoyevsky’s compassion for the poor, oppressed and tormented is evident throughout his works, informed by his four years in a Siberian prison camp. Given that the very idea of the redistribution of wealth was demonized by some in the recent political season, what are we to make of Dostoyevsky’s message today? Is he relevant — or hopelessly outdated?
Weitz: I believe there are a lot of people out there who would like us to think his views are outdated. But when I read the novel, I can’t help but be struck by numerous phrases that are incredibly relevant regarding the massive financial inequalities in our country and around the world. The idea of the rich getting rich on the backs of the poor and the poor not being very happy about it hasn’t changed much since the 1860s.
Post: Interesting. But we can’t end on that. How about the world’s shortest essay assignment: “Come see our play because . . .”
Weitz: Because . . . missing it would be a crime. Get it?
John Moore: 303-954-1056 or jmoore@denverpost.com
“Crime and Punishment”
Drama. Presented by the Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company at the Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St. Adapted by Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus. Directed by John Thornberry. Starring James O’Hagan-Murphy, Chris Kendall and Crystal Verdon Eisele. Through March 5. 90 minutes. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 4 p.m. Feb. 27. $20-$22 ($13 on Thursdays). 303-444-7328 or
This weekend’s other openings theater
“Equus” In Peter Shaffer’s enduring British drama, a psychiatrist works with a troubled 17-year-old boy to determine why he has committed a brutal act against six horses. Through March 20. Vintage Theatre, 2119 E. 17th Ave., 303-839-1361 or
“Love Letters” In A.R. Gurney’s simple play, two actors tell the story of a 50-year romance by reading the notes, letters and cards that have passed between them throughout their separated lives. Through Feb. 20. Presented by Steel City at Pueblo Central High School, 216 E. Orman Ave. 719-258-8399 or
“A Man for All Seasons” Robert Bolt’s classic play, based on the true story of Sir Thomas More, is about one man’s struggle to stand by his beliefs and the price he pays for his conviction. Through Feb. 26. Jones Theatre, 119 Main St., Westcliffe, 719-783-3004 or
“The Philanderer” George Bernard Shaw’s 1898 play uses the story of a single mother to take aim at gender inequity, the medical profession, the generation gap and, most important, the influence of maverick playwright Henrik Ibsen on the theater. Through March 5. Presented by the Upstart Crow at the Dairy Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder, 303-444-7328 or
“A Picasso” In this honored two-character play, the famous artist Pablo Picasso is confronted in 1941 Paris by a “cultural attache” from the German secret police. Through March 20. Presented by OpenStage & Company at the Nonesuch Theater, 216 Pine St., Fort Collins, 970-221-6730 or
This week’s video podcast: Jamie Billings in “Spring Awakening”
Denver native Jamie Billings, an ensemble member and understudy in the national touring production of “Spring Awakening,” played of Ilse in her first night back in her hometown, Feb. 15, 2011. Video by John Moore. Running time: 3 minutes, 20 seconds.
Complete theater listings
Go to our complete list of in Colorado, including summaries, run dates, addresses, phones and links to every company’s home page. Or check out our listings or
The Running Lines blog
Catch up on John Moore’s roundup of the latest theater news, including the latest on Shadow Theatre, and Denver native Sierra Boggess’ casting in the upcoming Broadway production of “Master Class”:
