By Joe Siegel

There has been some criticism over my reference to rape in my review of “Private Lives” at The Arctic Playhouse.

Noel Coward’s comedy depicts a man (Elyot) and a woman (Amanda) dumping their spouses on their honeymoons. Elyot and Amanda were married and rekindle their relationship.

This is what I wrote in my review:

“Following a prolonged scene in a Paris hotel room, Elyot and Amanda engage in a vicious fight. Amanda smashes a record album over Elyot’s head. Elyot retaliates by striking her. Pillows are thrown. Elyot seems on the verge of raping Amanda when Sibyl and Victor appear.”

The director, Richard Griffin, reached out to me and said there was no rape, nor was it implied.

I always strive to be accurate in my reviews.

1. I would never say something happened if it didn’t.
2. Art is subjective. People look at a painting. They see the same painting but may have two wildly different interpretations.
3. It is established in the story that Elyot has a violent temper. He threatens to decapitate his wife on their honeymoon. Elyot is not a very nice person. Therefore, it is not outside the realm of possibility that he is capable of forcing sex upon someone.
4. When Sibyl and Victor find their spouses on the floor, the audience can’t see Amanda and Elyot because there’s a sofa in front of them. My interpretation is based on the writhing on the floor which was happening just prior. Now, maybe if the fight and its aftermath had been staged differently, I would have had a different reaction.
5. It is possible to infer that Elyot may have intended to engage in non-consensual sex with Amanda. Note my wording: on the verge. I never said he raped her.

Rape is an abominable act and it should never be glorified in art. I encourage people to go see “Private Lives” and judge for themselves. If they disagree with me, fine. Tell me I’m wrong.

But I refuse to censor my own work. Theater criticism is not an easy business. I don’t enjoy giving negative reviews to anyone. I aim to be critical but fair. I praised the production values of the show and the performers. It was the script which offended me.

Please don’t crucify me for expressing an opinion.

In this case, I plead not guilty. Court adjourned.

Amanda and Elyot. Photo courtesy of Sandy Smith.