Theresa Rebeck's "Mauritius" plunges into the high-stakes world of stamp collecting, where rare artifacts become the catalyst for a web of deceit, family conflict, and personal ambition. The play, which marked Rebeck's Broadway debut, is a tightly plotted thriller filled with snappy dialogue and complex characters.
A Mauritius "Post Office" stamp, central to the play's plot.
The story revolves around two half-sisters, Jackie and Mary, who are brought together by their mother's death and a potentially priceless stamp collection. The collection includes the coveted Mauritius Post Office stamps, issued in 1847, which are among the rarest and most valuable stamps in the world. These stamps, originally misprinted with "Post Office" instead of "Post Paid," become the object of intense desire and the driving force behind the play's disreputable shenanigans.
Jackie, a young woman burdened by debt, sees the stamps as her only hope for financial salvation. Mary, her estranged half-sister, returns after years of absence, claiming the stamps as her rightful inheritance. This sets the stage for a tense battle over ownership, complicated by the involvement of unscrupulous stamp collectors and dealers.
Adding fuel to the fire are three men: Philip, the cynical stamp expert; Dennis, the charming but shady dealmaker; and Sterling, the obsessive and ruthless collector. Each character is driven by their own desires and secrets, creating a volatile mix of ambition, greed, and betrayal.
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The Characters:
- Jackie: The tenacious young woman who inherits the stamp collection.
- Mary: Jackie's estranged half-sister, who claims ownership of the stamps.
- Philip: The cynical and shrewd stamp expert.
- Dennis: The seemingly simple-minded but dark and charming would-be deal maker.
- Sterling: The sleazy buyer with megabucks of dubious provenance.
Doug Hughes' original Broadway production was praised for its taut pacing, clever set design by John Lee Beatty, and outstanding cast. Alison Pill shines as Jackie, portraying both her internal torment and her fierce determination. Bobby Cannavale captivates as Dennis, exuding a charisma that keeps the audience guessing.
The play explores themes of family, inheritance, and the lengths people will go to for money and power. While the central story is absorbing, some critics noted that the female characters could have been more developed, and certain plot points were left unresolved. Despite these flaws, "Mauritius" remains an enjoyable and suspenseful theatrical experience.
Key Themes in "Mauritius":
- The allure of rare and valuable objects
- Family conflict and estrangement
- The dark side of obsession
- The blurred lines between ethics and greed
The action unfolds in a series of escalating scenes, filled with tension and unexpected twists. Jackie seeks an appraisal of the stamps, drawing the attention of Dennis and Sterling. Mary's sudden reappearance complicates matters, leading to heated confrontations and shifting alliances. As the characters navigate a treacherous landscape of lies and deceit, the true value of the stamps becomes secondary to the personal stakes involved.
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Despite a somewhat predictable plot twist at the end, "Mauritius" keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its fast-paced dialogue and compelling performances. The play's exploration of human nature, combined with the intrigue of the stamp collecting world, makes for a captivating and thought-provoking experience.
Critical Reception:
- "Neatly structured, fleetly paced, handsomely mounted and engagingly acted." - New York Times
- "A thriller about a stamp collection -- and that's no contradiction -- "Mauritius'" is a suspenseful new comedy-drama driven hard and fast by terrific performances." - Star-Ledger
- "Extremely enjoyable." - NewsDay
Ultimately, "Mauritius" is a play about more than just stamps. It's a story about the complex relationships between people, the choices they make, and the consequences they face in pursuit of their desires.
The Re-discovery of the Mauritius "Post Office" Issue Printing Plate
Table: Characters and their motivations in "Mauritius"
| Character | Motivation |
|---|---|
| Jackie | Financial security, escaping debt |
| Mary | Claiming her family inheritance, asserting her identity |
| Philip | Professional recognition, revenge against Sterling |
| Dennis | Making a profitable deal, gaining credibility |
| Sterling | Completing his stamp collection, satisfying his obsession |
Stamp collecting: A world of hidden treasures and high stakes.
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