He’s Having an Affair

Reviewed by Mary Alderson

Edward Albee is known for his strange yet often humorous plays. Devoted Albee fans love his bizarre story lines. But who would want to see a play about an otherwise sane and successful man, happily married with a son, who suddenly falls in love with a goat? This bizarre story is now being revealed on stage at the Studio Theatre, Stratford Festival.

Stevie (Lucy Peacock) and Martin (Rick Roberts) are, by all appearances, a happily married couple. They have a beautiful home, filled with expensive-looking objets d’art. Martin is an architect about to win a prestigious award.  Stevie and Martin joke together comfortably, teasing each other and showing affection. Then Martin is interviewed about his work by his long-time friend Ross (Matthew Kabwe). But Martin can’t concentrate and his lack of attention bothers Ross. Finally, Martin reveals to Ross that he is preoccupied because he has fallen in love with a goat. He names the goat Sylvia and is smitten by her warm eyes.

Ross feels compelled to write a letter to Stevie, telling her of Martin’s strange obsession. Presumably, he is worried about his friend’s mental health.  Stevie can’t understand it and confronts Martin. Their discussion deteriorates into a huge shouting match. Those objets d’art? Pottery, crystal glass, rock carvings and more are sent crashing to the floor by a very disgusted and angry Stevie. A small metal easel is poked through an oil painting. Their teenage son, Billy, (Anthony Palermo) comes into the mess and demands to know what is going on. Can there be any resolution?

Can this weird story be an enjoyable play? I expected not to like it. But I found it both entertaining and thought provoking.  In the theatre program Director Dean Gabourie tells us that Albee said he wrote The Goat or, Who is Sylvia? to “test a few boundaries”. Certainly, bestiality is not a topic of discussion in better homes. Son Billy is gay, and there are some inappropriate words used in that context.

But in spite of the strange story and unsuitable topics, there is much to learn here. It’s a study of relationship and betrayal. Martin couldn’t understand why Stevie was upset. Many men, caught having an affair, try to lessen the impact of the other woman, and assume that life with their wife can just carry on.  Stevie is furious that Martin has ruined their good life and feels betrayed because things can never be the same.

Lucy Peacock owns the stage as Stevie. Her hurt and fury is palpable. She smashes the décor with a rage that everyone in the room feels.  Rick Roberts as Martin somehow makes it believable that he is smitten by a goat. He convinces us that he is truly bewildered by Stevie’s anger, and we are sure that he is not going to give up the goat.

Matthew Kabwe as Martin’s friend Ross is genuine in his concern for his friend, and Anthony Palermo as Billy gives us teenage attitude and angst.  Each one in the four-person cast contributes vividly to this story, making the conceit believable while, at the same time, adding to the humour.

As a study of relationships, family ties, love and betrayal, The Goat is brilliant. The audience is spellbound for the entire hour and 49 minutes. (No intermission). As strange as it all sounds, it provides both laughs and food for thought.

The Goat or, Who is Sylvia? continues in repertory until September 29 at the Studio Theatre, Stratford. Tickets are available at the Stratford Festival at 1-800-567-1600, or check www.stratfordfestival.ca

Photo: Rick Roberts as Martin and Lucy Peacock as Stevie in The Goat or, Who is Sylvia?. Photo by David Hou.

The Goat or, Who is Sylvia
By Edward Albee
Directed by Dean Gabourie
Performed by Lucy Peacock, Rick Roberts, Matthew Kabwe, Anthony Palermo.
Studio Theatre, Stratford
August 9 to September 29, 2024
Reviewed by Mary Alderson