If you go to Embers, it should be to see Jeremy Irons' sustained, quite realistic performance of what is essentially a dramatic monologue. As Heinrik, a retired general from the Austro-Hungarian army, he "entertains" (with gun nearby) Konrad, who'd been his bosom friend since childhood. Now in his castle-like home, in the midst of the ravages of WW II, Heinrik dwells on the last time they were together, hunting. Konrad then fled Vienna, never contacting Heinrik or his wife Christina. Nor did she speak to her husband from then until her death eight years later. He's had her portrait removed from its frame.
We get a modicum of dramatic suspense by knowing about the gun, but more from wondering if Konrad will speak as Heinrik asks and elaborates on two questions. Had Konrad -- with backing by Christina -- intended to kill Heinrik during the hunt? Was the memory of their lives "to be formed in longing for a dead woman...a passion for one person" with no relationship to that person's morality? We may also wonder at times if there is any chance of a reconciliation between the former friends.
I haven't read the novel which this play purports to adapt, nor does anything about Christopher Hampton's effort make me want to. Michael Blakemore's direction is serviceable, as are all the technical elements. Patrick Malahide takes his job of Konrad listening quite seriously. Jean Boht walks in and out and has a few lines establishing her as the longtime family maid. What's gratifying is to learn that Jeremy Irons can still function in live theatre and connect with an audience in person as well as he does from the screen.
