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| Death and the Maiden
May 13-24, 2009 @ Mainline Theatre By: Maha |
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| Despite the fact that a play has won the Olivier Award there is still room for error. For example, miscasting or the lack of vision by the director can mess up what is inherently a good thing. Altera Vitae's production of Death and the Maiden, directed by Jesse Corbeil and starring Sam Croitoru, Carolyn Fe and William Ward, is solid but not as good or moving as it could have been. It is a story that will definitely touch a nerve with most that watch it, despite the fact that in this part of the world we don't have any experience with dictatorships or the absence of democracy. How can you not be affected with the inhumanities that the lead female character had to go through at the hands of her own government. Safety from being tortured by your own government is something we take for granted but such is not the case everywhere in the world. The story begins with a twist of circumstances bringing three people together who have really played a role in each other's lives and need to work out their issues. Paulina (Carolyn Fe) believes that she has found the man (Sam Croituro) who was responsible for her torture and rape years previous. She cannot be 100% sure as she was blindfolded but his voice is something that is burnt into her memory. When she hears that voice again she is certain she has found the man responsible for her agony. While he is innocently asleep at the house (it is late at night and Paulina's husband insists) Paulina ties him up to a chair. Now she has a chance for revenge. He denies he is the guilty party. The more the two argue the more convinced Paulina becomes that he is the man. She remembers his smell, the feel of his skin and his love of Schubert. The inquisition begins. Paulina now has to convince her husband (William Ward) that this man in their house is her torturer. Gerardo is hesitant and thinks they are doing something equally as bad as the torturer. Democracy must prevail and what if news of this gets out? Paulina's husband Gerardo wants justice. All Paulina wants is a confession from Roberto Miranda. Miranda is convinced that Paulina wants him dead. The debate goes on. Ariel Dorfman's dialogue heavy play really tries to empower women and gives a voice to the victims of organized torture. What some might find frustrating is that the play offers no solutions to the inherent moral dilemma. But I think that is what elevates the play. It does not diminish the seriousness of the issue by giving us a simple answer tied up in a bow. We are brought into the seriousness of the issue without feeling like we are being preached to. In the end we are left really feeling that this is an unenviable position that Paulina has found herself in. Most victims will not find themselves in this position. You are left questioning what should be done. Everything about the play causes more questions to be brought up in the viewers mind. It certainly engages and the "dialogue" goes on long after the lights have gone down on Death and the Maiden. I think that people who have not seen the play or the film (starring Sigourney Weaver and Ben Kingsley) will benefit more from this production. They go in with little or no expectations. The chance of having a pure reaction to what is happening in front of you is higher. If you know what is going to happen then it is not as powerful. I was not drawn in as much as a result. Such is not the case with other plays that you have seen before. As far as the acting from the cast it is solid, if somewhat lacking. Sam Croituro was definitely influenced by Kingsley's take on the character. Not only did he look like him but the way he presented the character was similar. His facial expressions and body movements were all very much a la Kingsley. It however took me out of the moment. Having said all this I really appreciate the fact that this production company does not only put on plays but chooses plays about things they believe in. There is a cause to be enlightened about with Altera Vitae and that is commendable. Their work deserves to be seen and supported. Additional Information: -Website: www.alteravitae.com -Venue: 3997 St. Laurent -Ticket Purchase: www.mainlinetheatre.ca or (514) 849-3378 -Ticket Prices: Adults: $20.00 Student/Senior: $15.00 -Show Times: Tuesday-Sunday: 8:00 p.m. Saturday+Sunday: 2:00 p.m. Photos by Litratista | ||||||||||||||
