St James Cavalier's theatrical season opens with a brilliant play by prolific playright David Mamet called Boston Marriage.

The term “Boston marriage” refers to the relationship between two women who live together, independent of any male support. It probably arose from Henry James’ book The Bostonians, which details a marriage-like relationship between two women. The relationship is not necessarily sexual but, in this case, David Mamet is unambiguous about the relationship between his lead characters.

Boston Marriage is an unlikely Victorian drawing-room comedy, having as protagonists Anna and Claire, two conniving women of fashion who have long lived together. To supplement her income with a monthly stipend and gifts such as the heirloom necklace she is wearing when we first see her, Anna has become the mistress of a wealthy married man.

Claire returns to Anna after a long absence not, as Anna hopes, to resume their relationship, but because she wants Anna to not only accept that she has fallen in love with a young girl, but to allow the seduction to take place in her home. Anna is hurt by Claire’s request, but then relents and accedes to it – on one condition...

Mamet is better known for his plays featuring men, and had, in fact, been criticised as being unable to provide meaty roles for women. Whether he wrote this play in response to that criticism or not, in it he has succeeded in creating two larger-than-life women who converse in an archaic style which is highly reminiscent of Oscar Wilde.

Mamet’s usually coarse, vulgar language has been transformed into refined, flowery speech, which draws attention to itself by its very improbability. However, beneath the perfume and the frills, the traditional Mamet stamp is very much present.

Starring in this hilarious comedy of manners are Monica Attard and Nanette Brimmer, as Anna and Claire, and Rachel Darmanin Demajo as Catherine, the unappreciated maid.

To set the mood before the start of the play and during the interval, soprano Frances Catherine Farrugia will sing a number of songs from the period, accompanied by pianist Angele Galea, who will also be displaying a number of paintings inspired by the play.

Boston Marriage is on at St James Cavalier over two week-ends, on 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 September and 1 October. All shows start at 8pm. Tickets, at Lm5, can be purchased from the St James booking office or booked on telephone 2122 3200 or email: [email protected]