One play with a strong, realistic female character would have been a treat. This year’s Wildside Festival at Centaur Theatre has at least two. Geordie Productions’ The Shape of a Girl and The Sputniks offer engaged storytelling, solid proof that independent theatre is something to be celebrated.
Inspired by the 1997 murder of Reena Virk, a 14-year-old Victoria resident, Joan MacLeod’s The Shape of the Girl confronts teen violence. However, this isn’t just a play about young girls, says Alarey Alsip, lead actress. “This is about all of us having been three different types of people at one time or another: the bully, the bullied, or the one who watched.”
Directed by Amanda Kellock, the tale unfolds via a series of flashbacks and confessions. Through recorded audio cassettes, 15-yearold Braidie (Alsip) reveals to her brother, Trevor (Jade Hassoune) how harmlessly bullying can begin, and how easily it can escalate. She is a silent witness to the victimization of her childhood friend, Sophie. Consequently, she becomes an ambiguous heroine. Do we love or hate her? Do we fear that, at times, we have been just like her? The insightful questions posed go beyond the confines of the schoolyard.
Sarah Yaffe’s set design strikes the perfect tone: a jungle gym—known to bring children equal parts amusement and injury. Hassoune is strong in his silent role, reacting as the audience does to Braidie’s account of brutality and high school clique politics. But it is really Alsip who makes this play worth seeing. In a monologue lasting over an hour, she seamlessly moves from second grade innocence to angry adolescence. She sinks her teeth into this role, making it a thoughtful piece for all ages.
The Sputniks is a one-woman play that is nothing short of brilliant. Even more impressive: this bittersweet story of a Soviet family’s escape from the Iron Curtain is, at times, downright hilarious.
Written and performed by Elison Zasko and directed by Jonno Katz, The Sputniks made its first appearance at the Montreal Fringe Festival last year and has since played over 40 times, to critical acclaim, garnering well-deserved awards and applause. Without a single prop, and no set (or shoes!) to speak of, Zasko captivates the audience from the first word. For the next 50 minutes, she relates the story of the Sputniks, from the first meeting of Mr. and Mrs. Sputnik to the events that brought them to Canada. The hardships and strife are juxtaposed with quips, love and an incredibly moving climax.
Zasko’s flawless embodiment of every character is remarkable. A gifted physical actress, she will pull at your heartstrings, make you laugh out loud and leave you forgetting she was the only person onstage. Accompanied by Raylene Campbell’s lovely original compositions, The Sputniks is highly recommended for those who want to forget the frigid temperature and be immersed in an hour of pure enchantment.
The Shape of The Girl, January 24th, 1 p.m.
The Sputniks, January 22nd, 7 p.m. and January 25th, 1 p.m.
For tickets, call 514-288-3161.
Centaur Theatre, 453 St. Francois Xavier St., Old Montreal
http://www.centaurtheatre.com/wildsidefestival.html
