Enigma Variations (Schmitt)
THE STORY: Nobel Prize-winning author Abel Znorko lives as a recluse on a remote island in the Norwegian Seas. For fifteen years, his one friend and soulmate has been Helen, from whom he has been physically separated for the majority of their affair. Journalist Erik Larsen arrives to interview Znorko about his latest book, which is, in fact, a transcript of correspondence between the author and Helen. As Larsen seeks to unmask the identity of Helen, Znorko becomes infuriated. Evasions and lies twist into increasingly complex puzzles. Is Larsen really a journalist? Is it possible that both Znorko and Larsen love the same woman? Is Helen still alive? Slowly the barriers between the two men begin to fall as the profound mysteries of intimacy rise in their place.
“…quirky and delightful…[keeps] us riveted throughout with revelations and reversals…” —LA Weekly.
“Schmitt has the talent of Dickson Carr and post-war Anglo-saxon playwrights and writes with extreme cunning…a brilliant author.” —Le Monde (Paris).
“Schmitt is the Anouilh of his generation, both painful and sharp.” —Le Parisien (Paris).
“…the play is written by the highly talented Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt and has all the elements of success: original setting, cunning dialogue, suspense; it is made-to-measure with all the skill of a well-known tailor…by far the best theatrical evening of the season.” —La Tribune (Paris).
