The beginning conversations between Jack and Harry reminded me of the odd disjointed conversations that some elderly relatives have had - the kind of conversation that drives you crazy when you are young and scares you to death as you age and think this may be you in the future. but gradually the plays unfolds the truth - this home is some kind of asylum, or even a jail and the inmates are not just the normal befuddled elderly souls they first appear to be.
Excellent performances by Oliver Dennis, Michael Hanrahan, Brenda Robbins and Maria Vacratsis.
The play and the production kept the audience fully engaged and focused on what was happening - the applause at the end was enthusiastic and long, but not a standing ovation. It was an evening of great theatre - the kind to savour and appreciate, but not the kind that overwhelms.
Initially, I did get the feeling I had returned to my youth and was visiting my family. I was afraid we might be going to "Waiting for Godet" territory - not my favourite place.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I became absorbed in the rhythm of the language and the performances and ended up really caring about the characters.
Great performances by the actors. Once again demonstrating how much Soulpepper has improved from a few years ago. (Not that the actors were less good earlier, but somehow the productions were often flat. Better now.)