It's an intriguing show & not just because of the celebrity in the lead - the questions raised about revenge and forgiveness and trust and betrayal are intrinsic to the story. It's mentioned in the Author's Note that this could happen anywhere and anytime practically, and I agree. When atrocities at a national level happen, we all look on in horror. This play forces you to see the individuals involved in that 'national narrative' that we hear about on the news. It also forces us to think about living with our 'former' enemies - just because the group has been released from retribution doesn't mean the individuals involved are ready to forgive and forget.
I had seen a community theatre production of this show about 15 years ago, and had vague memories of being drawn in by it. I clearly remembered the 'peeing' scene as I knew the stage manager and he had told me about how they'd nailed the sound effect needed. I don't remember the play ending as ambiguously or leaving the theatre with as many questions. I'm not sure if I've matured, or the production simply went a different way. I wonder if I'll see it again in 15 years and will have remembered more of it.
The production was gorgeous - a beautiful set that revolved and a humming soundtrack of ocean-waves that lulled you into a false sense of peace while this high-stakes situation unfolded. I was concerned for patrons sitting house-right, as at several points Paulina (Oh) was on the outside of the house (stage right in that particular rotation of the set) and being in the center, I could see her facial expressions and haunting physicality, but I'm not sure everyone could see that. There also seemed to be a lack in the sense of urgency. I hadn't realized it was a preview until the show ended, but I'm hopeful that once opening comes around, the actors will be a bit more invested or the pace will be a bit tighter (there were some line hiccups from everyone). I liked some of the understated moments, but in a situation of this high-stress, I felt those understated moments would have worked better if they were contrasting to just a few moments of much higher tension (it would not have felt out of place to me for some surreal insanity to shine through). The fear felt real, but contained.
I was very pleased that the cast was as strong as they were - sometimes seeing a celebrity on stage can be heart-breaking (remind me to tell you about Darryl Hannah sometime!) as they are out of their natural element. Sandra Oh was wonderful - and I wasn't distracted at all by the fact that a 'star' was onstage. I was quite easily able to simply fall into the story and see her as "Paulina". Not sure Tara got over it so quickly...but she said she enjoyed the show just the same!
I laughed heartily many, many times (which was much needed after the darkness of "Death and the Maiden"). Because LeapFest is a new works incubator, each show includes a post-show talkback, so I was also forced to process what I'd seen. Had I seen it in full-production, with a group of friends, we'd probably have talked about what we'd seen, but not necessarily picked at the aspects of character and motivation like we did in the talkback. But really, I honestly believe, I would have walked out feeling entertained and glad that I'd chosen that play to see. Some folks think every story has already been told and we're all just trying to figure out new ways to say the same thing...maybe. If so, Mr. Greenwood definitely found a new way in my opinion. Truly an engaging evening.
You have 2 more chances if you want to catch "Raggedy And" and there are 3 other plays in development, too full LeapFest schedule & playwright bios here. Festival ends 6/28