Ottawa Little Theatre’s production of Guilty Conscience, written by Richard Levinson and William Link, blends suspense with the plot twists of a thriller. This is no ordinary whodunit; it’s a pseudo-courtroom drama that takes the audience inside the mind of a scheming man who will stop at nothing to get his way.
The story revolves around Arthur Jamison, a cunning and morally ambiguous criminal defense lawyer, played by David MacIntyre. Faced with a costly divorce, Arthur devises a plan to murder his wife, Louise, so that he can escape both her and the alimony.
But this isn’t a standard suspense—Arthur goes beyond plotting, actively staging scenarios in his mind, like a one-man chess game where he cross-examines his own conscience. This internal debate, brought to life on stage, gives the audience a look into his psyche.
What makes this play compelling is how Arthur’s imaginary courtroom becomes a battleground for his conscience, with “prosecutors” (portrayed by Susanna Doherty, Mylène Freeman, and Judy McCormick) stepping in as devil’s advocates.
Holding the scales of justice that represent impartiality, the sword of power and dressed in Grecian robes, they humorously yet pointedly challenge Arthur’s every move, forcing him to weigh the risks and flaws in his sinister plot. Arthur is an accomplished lawyer—so good that his mistress Jackie jokes, “He can beat anything and get away with it.”
Melissa Raftis’s Louise initially seems like the helpless, abused spouse in this twisted game, but as the plot thickens, she reveals herself as a survivor who’s learned to navigate Arthur’s deceitful ways. After years with a man as manipulative as Arthur, Louise has honed her own survival instincts. She’s more than capable of looking out for herself, setting the stage for a battle of wits.
The set, designed by Lindsay Laviolette and Venetia Lawless, successfully transports us to the time period with meticulous detail, turning Arthur and Louise’s 1970s Manhattan townhome into a space that enhances the character-driven drama.
As Arthur’s sinister plan unfolds, the audience can’t help but wonder if he’ll really go through with it. Is Louise as oblivious and innocent as she appears? This tension keeps the audience guessing, filling Guilty Conscience with suspense, humour, and a thought-provoking exploration of male dominance.
Director Ian Gillies skillfully captures the play’s tension, creating a smart and enthralling experience. He keeps the audience engaged as they attempt to deduce how the cunning husband plans to murder his unsuspecting wife. Yet, the question remains: is she truly as innocent as she seems?
The plot takes several twists, ending with a powerful statement on independence and self-worth. Don’t let the dark theme of misogyny keep you away from this entertaining production—it’s packed with clever dialogue and sharp humour that make it truly enjoyable.
Guilty Conscience is at the Ottawa Little Theatre until Sunday, November 10. Catch it nightly from Wednesday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Photo: Maria Vartanova
