Throughout his career, Harold Pinter was extraordinarily adept at plumbing human appetites and probing the depths of personality. His “Old Times,” in a brilliant production at the Shakespeare Theatre Company, is proof of Pinter’s ability to make those appetites fascinating and to keep those personalities mesmerizing. “Old Times” takes place near the sea in the home of the filmmaker Deeley (Steven Culp) and Kate (Tracy Lynn Middendorf), who have been married for 20 years. They are waiting for the visit of Anna (Holly Twyford), Kate’s roommate years earlier in London.

As the play begins, Kate and Deeley quietly discuss Anna’s visit, establishing that Anna had many friends, whereas Anna was Kate’s only friend, revealing that Anna often stole Kate’s underwear. But as soon as Anna enters, the conversation becomes brisk and animated as Anna recalls what life was like for two secretaries working in the day, rushing to concerts or the opera or the ballet at night. “What stamina,” she notes.