Mrs Klein
Almeida Theatre, London
Mrs Klein, Nicholas Wright’s powerful three-hander, written in 1988, focuses on child analyst Melanie Klein (Clare Higgins). What is evident in Thea Sharrock’s compelling production is that, while Klein was a renowned analyst, she failed to bring sustainable nurturing to her own two children’s lives.
The action takes place in Klein’s London home in 1934, brilliantly brought to life through Tim Hatley’s blood-red lounge. Klein is about to travel to Budapest for her son Han’s funeral – apparently killed in a climbing accident. Paula (Nicola Walker) is a German refugee who has been charged with looking after Klein’s affairs in her absence.
Paula’s tranquillity is marred by the arrival of Klein’s daughter Melitta (Zoe Waites) – a hyper psychologist – who reveals that her brother’s death was actually due to suicide. Klein returns to her home earlier than expected and what follows is a fraught mother-daughter relationship where past pains are aired with the chief accusation that Hans killed himself because of the way in which his loveless mother analysed him as a child. Gradually, as a witness to the painful drama, Paula takes on a new relationship to her boss: that of surrogate daughter and colleague.
Higgins is, of course, outstanding. Her performance – particularly at the end – is moving and memorable. Waites plays her role with the necessary bitterness and Walker brings a sense of the curious observer.
The play deserves a West End transfer.
It probably won’t get one, so catch it while you can.
Sharon Garfinkel
