The play Betrayal, written by Harold Pinter in 1978, is a canonical work that explores the intricacies of human relationships and the devastating consequences of deception. The story revolves around an affair that wrecks a marriage, told in reverse chronology, which adds to the complexity and depth of the narrative. The play's structure, not unlike the Stephen Sondheim/George Furth musical "Merrily We Roll Along," takes the audience on a journey through the characters' past, revealing the events that led to the affair's demise.

The current revival of Betrayal at the Goodman Theatre, directed by Susan Booth, features a talented cast, including Helen Hunt, Robert Sean Leonard, and Ian Barford. The actors' ages, which are significantly older than the characters' ages in the original play, bring a new perspective to the story. Booth intentionally cast older actors to emphasize the gravity of the characters' actions and the consequences of their decisions. As Hunt notes, "the shattered of a marriage at the age of 30 does not carry the weight of the shattering of a marriage at 50." This unique approach adds a fresh layer of depth to the play, highlighting the emotional toll of betrayal on individuals and relationships.

The play's exploration of human relationships, memory, and the passage of time is both poignant and thought-provoking. The characters' interactions, often marked by silence and understatement, reveal the complexities of their emotions and the fragility of their relationships. The play's use of reverse chronology also underscores the idea that our memories shape our understanding of ourselves and our relationships. As Booth notes, "the men are losing lifelong friends from when they were very young. This is a friendship from when they were very young. This is decades of friendship being irreparably damaged." The play's themes and characters are expertly woven together, creating a rich and nuanced narrative that resonates with audiences.

The production's extension at the Goodman Theatre is a testament to its success and the audience's desire to engage with the play's complex themes and characters. The additional performances will feature the same talented cast, with some exceptions, including Cheyenne Casebier, who will perform the role of Emma on select dates. The play's inventive retelling of the story, which unspools backward in time, is both a tribute to Pinter's genius and a reflection of the human experience. As the New York Times notes, the play is an "elegy about time and memory (where) the greatest dramatic weight lies in what's unspoken."

In conclusion, the revival of Betrayal at the Goodman Theatre is a must-see production that offers a unique perspective on the human experience. The play's exploration of relationships, memory, and the passage of time is both poignant and thought-provoking, and the talented cast brings the characters to life with nuance and depth. With its timeless themes and complex characters, Betrayal is a play that will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come. The production's success is a testament to the power of theatre to explore the human condition and to challenge our assumptions about ourselves and our relationships.