Every time the title of a play is mentioned, it’s significant. The audience’s ears perk up and the tension in the room suddenly rises. In Ruined by Lynn Nottage, a production by Dark Glass Theatre at the Pacific Theatre, this happens rather quickly, in the first 10 minutes or so. And it’s referring to sexual assault. War rape, to be more accurate.
It always is difficult tackling such topics for playwrights and productions. There’s a fine line between respect and disrespect, awareness and exposure, empathy and pity- however, the director Angela Konrad suggests that the play “[reveals] beauty not just in spite of the difficulty but because of it. How entirely appropriate.”
It wasn’t hard to make the connection to my own background. The “comfort women” taken to Japanese Armies during World War II were not only from Korea but other occupied countries like China, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Burma, and Thailand. The issue with comfort women is not the lack of awareness but the complete denial from the Japanese government- many women today are fighting for their rights and compensation, but mostly, just an apology. There are, of course, many forms of media- mainly film and TV- portraying the stories of them. The effective ones are intense, serious and draws the audience in, but at the same time has appropriate comic relief and thus the easing of the tension from time to time, like Ruined. Nothing about the subject matter was light- the opposite, in fact, but the jokes and scenes here and there, strategically placed, relieves the audience from time to time.
It is important to mention that the leading lady playing Mama Nadi (Mariam Barry), had actually stepped in very last minute and the opening night was delayed. With such short notice she did a splendid job and it was worth the wait. Notable performances go to Makambe K. Simamba (Sophie) and Shayna Jones (Salima), their body language and chemistry between them portray the characters really well.
Costumes and set were simply stunning; the lights, especially the fairy lights and the effects during the gunshot scene was impressive. The live music was also charming.
Overall this production of Ruined was an extremely brave and successful way to raise awareness to what’s happening to women- and men- in Congo and how though they may be “damaged” physically and internally, they aren’t completely “ruined”.
Ruined by Lynn Nottage is running at the Pacific theatre February 2nd – February 17th. Wednesday – Saturday at 8 pm with 2pm matinees on Saturdays.
“Lean in close and watch me now… watch me now, watch me real close…” It’s almost hypnotizing listening to the two brothers as they shuffle the cards- Who will come out on top?
Topdog/Underdog, written by Suzan-Lori Parks is an Arts Club production directed by Dean Paul Gibson. Starring Micheal Blake and Luc Roderique as the ironically named brothers Lincoln and Booth, two brothers in a feud. Power dynamics. Dark secrets. Remind you of something?
Though it’s difficult to get me to stop talking about anything in relation to The Lonesome West, Topdog/Underdog was particularly reminiscent of the play, like the exposition through repetition of certain elements (Murdering their father/Lincoln playing Abraham Lincoln at the arcade) and the quirky but threatening back and forth dialogue between the brothers. They are both “dramedies” but Topdog/Underdog focuses more on the drama. While the transitions back and forth comedy and drama felt very smooth and seamless, the pacing of the exposition and the revelations (especially because some of the revelations were meant to be a “surprise”) seems a bit rushed towards the end of Act II.
This “slice of life” type of drama is evident right off the bat with the set. The brother’s apart is set up on the stage like a giant had rough-handedly ripped out the front part and the audience sees a private moment of Booth practicing hustling right away. Through their window (literally and metaphorically) we can glimpse into their lives, even the most private parts. The set, with the wallpaper resembling tarot cards, and costumes, are simple yet effective.
The actors Micheal Blake (Lincoln) and Luc Roderique (Booth) were exceptional in their own ways. Their chemistry is charming- it’s as if they are real brothers bickering, the dialogue feels natural and realistic. To be perfectly honest my brother and I don’t converse that often (we don’t even see each other that often) but when we do that’s essentially what we sound like.
The Arts Club also offers Student Rush tickets, where with a proper student ID, tickets can be bought online, over the phone or at the box office on the day of a show for only 29 dollars. Link is below!
Go check out Topdog/Underdog for some laughs and uncover dark secrets.
Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks is running at the Goldcorp Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre January 18th – February 11th. Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30 pm, Fridays & Saturdays 8 pm and matinees on Wednesdays (1:30 pm) and Saturdays & Sundays (2:00 PM).
Audition information for this year’s Festival Dionysia is finally out! We are still looking for crew members as well, though, so click here for more information if that is more up your alley.
For auditions, the dates are:
January 19th: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
January 20th: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
January 21st: Callbacks
Location: TBA
Please prepare a monologue around 2 minutes in length to audition with, and email your availability, headshot, and acting resume (if applicable) to [email protected]
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment on this post or email [email protected]!
