‘Tis Pity She’s A Whore

Violence! Love! Blood! Incest! The Georgetown Theatre Company’s production of ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore has it all. This 17^th century play tells the tale of a brother and sister whose incestuous relationship brings death and destruction to all around them.

There are several stand out performances that make this production shine: Evan Crump as Giovanni, the young scholar eventually driven to madness and murder for love of his sister, is fantastic. Annabella, the sister and titular whore, is played by Jessica Shearer Wilson who expertly transitions from carefree maid to broken and crazed sinner through the course of the play. The rest of the ensemble is very good as well, making this abridged version of the play not only accessible but compelling. Lindsay Duso gives a powerful performance as Hippolita, a murderous widow scorned by one of Annabella’s suitors.

The production is greatly enhanced by fight direction by Matthew R. Wilson – the knife fights throughout and the ending blood bath are worth the price of the ticket alone. The set is simple, functional, and greatly enhanced by the electric ‘tea lights’ that surround the stage, and director Alis Faith Williams makes great use of the balcony in The Warehouse. Tis Pity She’s a Whore is a great text, and this production is a necessity for those who do not know it.

See It: You want to see a great production of a well-abridged classic. Did I mention the blood?

Skip It: “Is this by Shakespeare? I don’t like Shakespeare, everyone talks funny.”

‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore

Written by John Ford
Directed by Alia Faith Williams
Reviewed by Jessica Pearson

Running time:  90 minutes

Read all the reviews and check out the full Capital Fringe schedule here.

Did you see the show?  What did you think?