THEAHf{ CHRONICLE
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nity-a ramifying idea in itself-but one reflects later that her real
drive is for power and that it is she, the "normal" mother who is actually
insane. This inference may be my own. The point is that the play has
depth. So has the performance of Mady Christians, an actress of power
and persuasion who, unlike most, understands the art she professes and
has the capacity and the discipline to
be
the character she is playing. Ray–
mond Massey obviously respects the art but just as obviously lacks the
capacity to be, rather than merely to represent, the character of the
father. His failure, unfortunately, is crucial, especially since the acting
of the important part of the nurse borders on caricature.
Margaret Marshall
