Venue: Studio 58, Langara College
Date(s): 15 November - 9 December, 2001
Reviewer: Jane Penistan
The marriage of traditional and modern is seldom an
easy relationship.
In Creation Peter Anderson has rewritten the story of the
creation in the traditional mediaeval style of varied rhyming schemes
but in today's language, while using references to current moral and
economic issues. This is accompanied by Patrick Pennefather's
contemporary music whose wit and style match that of the script. This
modern mystery play, the first part of a trilogy, succeeds brilliantly.
The structure parallels mediaeval play cycles; where each guild
performed a scene on its own wagon, so the stories of Adam and Eve,
Cain and Abel, Noah and the Ark, Moses and Aaron and the Egyptians take
place in different areas of the stage.
Out of the pitch darkness stars whirl in fantastic patterns, light
glows and grows revealing angels high on a balcony, as the sonorous
voice of God (Jeff McMahan) proclaims the wonder of creation.
The brightest angel, Lucifer (Joey Ritchie), descends to Earth,
exulting in his pride. He is soon banished to Hell, only to reappear
in the garden of Eden, disguised as a serpent, ready to trick Adam
(Corey Turner) and Eve (Layla Alizada) into eating a forbidden apple
from a magnificent tree. The garden is the essence of life where birds
fly on the ends of wands and the cast becomes a menagerie of masks.
Almost all the actors play more than one role. Songs frequently link
the scenes with keyboard accompaniment by Jeff McMahan and Lana Harwood.
The performance culminates in a lively dance.
Kim Collier maintains the simplicity of characterization, scenery,
props and costumes to good effect. This is an opportunity to
experience a very different form of drama from most contemporary work,
and to recognize some of its progenitors, linking the past to the
present.
Creation runs at Studio 58, Langara College, 100 West 49th Avenue,
Vancouver, in the basement of the Main Building.
15 November - 9 December, 2001: Wednesday to Sunday at 8.00pm with
matinees on Sunday at 3.00pm.
Tickets, Wednesday and Thursday, $13,00 general admission, $12.00
students and seniors; Friday and Saturday $14.00 per person and both
shows on Sunday two for one, $14.00, or $7.00 per person.
For tickets and reservations call the Studio 58 Box Office at 604-323-5227.
© 2001, Jane Penistan