A complex story of parenting, mental illness and policing play out in The Valley at Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre

There’s a painful moment in Tarragon Theatre‘s The Valley when time stops. “I don’t know how to feel better,” says one of the characters.

I won’t tell you which one (I’m not even sure I remember). The play features a cop, a teenager and two mothers.

It’s about the hot button issues we hear about in the media all the time – mental illness, parenting, policing. There’s a complex overlap between those of us hurting and those aiming to serve and protect (whether at home or on the streets). Pain is real to all of us. Continue reading Review: The Valley (Tarragon Theatre) →

Fear takes hold in the classic The Woman in Black playing at Toronto’s Lower Ossington Theatre

I  have to admit, I was skeptical about seeing The Woman In Black, adapted by Stephen Mallatratt, at the Lower Ossington Theatre. The Woman In Black is an eerie ghost story about a woman who haunts a remote British village. The story is inspired by Susan Hill’s novel, and has been adapted into two films: 1989 and 2012.

I had already seen the new adaptation. The movie really creeped me out, mostly due to the subtle effects. Naturally, not having a film budget or a computer effects team, I assumed the play was going to pale in comparison. I became more confident in my theory as the first act began at a slow pace, with protagonist Mr. Kipps and an actor discussing the importance of showmanship. This play couldn’t scare me. I was sure of it.

Dear God, I was so wrong. Continue reading Review: The Woman In Black (Lower Ossington Theatre) →

After Miss Julie is a visually and intellectually sumptuous production playing at Toronto’s Storefront Theatre

After Miss Julie (Red One Theatre Collective) is, literally, the story of the twelve hours immediately following VE Day, as set in an English servants’ cottage. The end of the war was many things to many people, and three characters–a stern northern cook; an aggressive, proud chauffeur; a young noblewoman–work through these changes in their own ways. They love, they hate, they fuck, they kill, they make a mess on the carpet.

The tricky thing about this show is that, by all rights, it shouldn’t work. The script has a number of clunky lines, the symbolism runs to depths normally associated with Very Very Very Serious High School Plays, and the story turns on developments that contemporary Canadian audiences probably can’t be expected to intuit. (Audience member to her date: “Who’s Clement Atlee? Wait, who was Winston Churchill again?”)

But work it does. These talented, talented actors; this gorgeous, gorgeous set; director David Ferry’s delicate, delicate slow-burn touch.

Continue reading After Miss Julie (Red One Theatre Collective) →