Betrayal (play) - Synopsis

Synopsis

The years between 1968 and 1977 occur in reverse order; scenes within years 1977 and 1973 move forward.

1977

• Scene One: Pub. 1977. Spring.

Emma and Jerry meet for the first time in two years. For 7 years they had an affair and a secret flat, and Jerry says no-one else knew. Now Emma is having an affair with Casey, an author whose agent is Jerry and whose publisher is Robert, Emma’s husband. Emma says she found out last night that Robert has betrayed her with other women for years, and admits she revealed her affair with Jerry.

• Scene Two: Jerry's House. Later the same day.

Jerry meets Robert to talk about the affair. Robert reveals that in fact he learned about it 4 years ago. Since then their friendship has continued, albeit without playing squash.

1975

• Scene Three: Flat. 1975. Winter.

It is the end of Jerry and Emma’s affair. They rarely meet, and Emma’s hopes that the flat would be a different kind of home are unfulfilled. They agree to give it up.

1974

• Scene Four: Robert and Emma's House. Living room. 1974. Autumn.

Jerry visits Robert and Emma at home. He reveals that Casey has left his wife and is living nearby. Jerry and Robert plan to play squash, but Jerry reveals that first he is visiting New York with Casey.

1973

• Scene Five: Hotel Room. 1973. Summer.

Robert and Emma are on holiday, intending to visit Torcello tomorrow. Emma is reading a book by Spinks, another author whose agent is Jerry. Robert says he refused to publish it because there is not much more to say about betrayal. Robert has discovered that Emma has received a private letter from Jerry. Emma admits they are having an affair.

• Scene Six: Flat. 1973. Summer.

Emma has returned from the holiday with Robert in Venice. She has bought a tablecloth for the flat. Jerry reveals that despite the affair he continues to lunch with Robert.

• Scene Seven: Restaurant. 1973. Summer.

Robert gets drunk over lunch with Jerry. He says he hates modern novels, and that he went to Torcello on his own and read Yeats.

1971

• Scene Eight: Flat. 1971. Summer.

Emma wants to know whether Jerry’s wife suspects his affair, and announces that while Jerry was in America she became pregnant with Robert’s child.

1968

• Scene Nine: Robert and Emma's House. Bedroom. 1968. Winter.

During a party Jerry surprises Emma in her bedroom and declares his love for her. He tells Robert he is his oldest friend as well as his best man.