By Rita Charleston

Kellie Cooper says appearing in Harold Pinter's play,“Betrayal,” which was staged at Allens Lane, 601 West Allens Lane, for three weekends and then closed May 21, has always been on her bucket list. “As an actress, I typically do comedies,” says the 29-year-old Mt. Airy resident, “but this is one of those roles I felt I could do well and grow as an actress. I've been wanting to tackle this amazing play for years. I enjoy Pinter and search out his shows, so I'm thrilled I finally have the chance to be in this one.”

Directed by Robert Bauer, the play revolves around Emma and Robert, a married couple. Robert and Jerry are friends. Jerry and Emma are lovers. At least they were lovers. The play begins when the former lovers meet again two years after their affair has ended. Emma tells Jerry that she and Robert fought and that she told her husband about the affair.

“Actually,” Cooper explains, “the play takes you backwards in time, starting two years after the affair has ended, to the final scene when we learn how the affair started. Sometimes, things like this just happen. Emma tells it like it is, and I can relate to that part of her. In time, we come to find out that Emma and Robert have had an abusive relationship, so part of her is trying to find out what true love is or if such a thing is even possible.”

Married in real life for two years to Frank, an I.C.U. nurse, Cooper grew up in South Jersey, where she appeared in several plays at Timber Creek Regional High School. However, after graduation she went on to Rowan University with an eye to becoming a coroner. “But soon I found I was missing acting. So eventually I left school to start following both my other passions: acting and working with animals at an animal hospital — first in South Jersey and currently at The Animedic Vet Clinic in Manayunk.”

Acting in Philadelphia for the past eight years, Cooper appeared in “Rumors” and “Rapture, Blister and Burn” at Allens Lane, “Venus In Fur” at The Centre Theatre and as the female understudy in “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” at the Walnut Street Theatre. She's also been involved in other aspects of theater, having designed and styled costumes for The Drama Group's “Pack of Lies.”

Looking forward to a long career in the theater, Cooper sees herself working full-time as an actress in Philadelphia, probably doing mostly comedy. She says, “Comedy is probably my forte, and making people laugh is always fun. This is a different kind of show, and it makes people think and makes them feel. Infidelity often makes people feel uncomfortable, so we want them to think about why these characters are doing what they're doing and try to find a purpose for their behavior.”

Cooper takes everything she does seriously, including caring for five cats and a dog. “I know everything I do takes commitment. I also know that acting is hard work, and you have to know when to say no and not just take any role that comes along. You have to choose the roles that will make you grow and become a better actress. I held out for this role and turned down another role I could have had. And I'm so glad I did.”