Theater Beat : Monologues Lack Passion in ‘The Ring’

Poet Robert Browning found a peculiar yellow book of legal documents in a Florentine market. In 1868 and 1869, he published two volumes of poetic verse monologues, “The Ring and the Book,” inspired by the documents’ detailed account of a 1697 Roman murder trial.

While Shakespeare put poetry into plays, poetry doesn’t always make a good play. Such is the case with Ann Greyson and Brenda Urquhart’s adaptation of selected passages from Browning’s work. As a play, “The Ring and the Book,” at Metropole Theatre Works, is a stilted set of monologues, totally deflating the passion of a murderous husband and the yearnings of his unhappy young wife.

The husband, Count Guido (Richard Chassler), is on trial for the murder of his supposedly adulterous wife, Pompilia (Lisa Zee), and her adopted parents.

Yet there is something contrived about having Pompilia speak about her feelings toward her alleged lover, Giuseppe Caponsacchi (Jerry Goble), while he clutches her, speechless. Director Urquhart attempts to overcome this odd arrangement, but sighs and facial gestures aren’t enough. Perhaps a more abstract approach would have been more fitting.

The only moment of striking emotion comes when Guido awaits his execution--deserted, bereft of privilege and going mad. But the director and dialogue don’t allow the audience to care for this cold nobleman.

* “The Ring and the Book,” Metropole Theatre Works, 1277 N. Wilton Place, Hollywood. Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. Ends Sept. 11. $10. (323) 660-8587. Running time: 2 hours, 10 minutes.