Actress Joan Copeland has her own distinguished career, but there is another aspect that arises these days. As her brother was playwright Arthur Miller, she is a natural to appear in his works, as was the case recently (January 9, 2008). The National Arts Club presented a reading of Miller’s rarely produced one-act play, “I Can’t Remember Anything.”
Copeland, teaming with Robert Heller, illuminated the drama that involves Leonara and Lee, two lifelong friends talking about their lives and revealing their disparate feelings and mutual ties. The work is a mixture of poignancy and sly humor, and the duo was effective in conveying the essence of the characters, their attachment and conflicts.
Copeland has won two Drama Desk Awards, one for her performance as Rose in “The American Clock,” another for her performance as Vera in “Pal Joey.” Heller’s stage credits include “Marathon ’33,” “Salome” and “The Cradle Will Rock.” Both Copeland and Heller are lifetime members of the Actors Studio.
The event was produced by Robin Lane-Krauss, of the National Arts Club’s Roundtable and Theatre/Drama Committee. She is also a lifetime member of the Actors Studio.
The National Arts Club is a frequent venue for various cultural programs. It is located at 15 Gramercy Park South. For information: 212-465-3424.