Review: (Toronto) Proud

Maev Beatty and Michael Healey (photo credit: Sean Howard)

Genius-Proud
by Gregory W. Bunker

What happened at the Berkeley Street Theatre last night was genius. Proud is an important contribution to the discussion of identity and democracy in this country, accomplished by examining the not-so-evident agenda of the current government. It just so happens that this examination can be, conveniently, narrowed down to the vision of a single person. Michael Healey cleverly creates a well-researched piece of historical fiction to convey his analysis, and he mashes it up with some sexy to keep it funny and awkwardly human.

The 90-minute play begins by assuming that the Conservatives—instead of the NDP—sweep Quebec in the 2011 federal election. The new majority government has a clear mandate for change (through discipline!) reiterated in a comically sober opening monologue by the new, unnamed, Prime Minister, brilliantly played by Healey. The audience is then briefly introduced to the clinical and somewhat psychotic sidekick Chief of Staff (Tom Barnett). Although the opening scene portrays the Prime Minister in his familiar public persona, the fantastic script does not allow him to be so easily demonized—what would be new or insightful about that? The real novelty of the play is what follows.

Review: (Toronto) Night of the Iguana

David Ferry (photo credit: Jaclyn Zaltz)

The Tennessee Waltz
Hart House delights with Williams
by Gregory W. Bunker


Tennessee Williams’s Night of the Iguana may be a rather pessimistic view of how to handle life’s twists and turns, but it is hard to be anything but optimistic about this Hart House production. Upon the fade-in of upbeat, softly static ‘40s music, the audience is treated to a superbly designed cabana scene (Scott Penner) complete with cleverly screened rooms, a well-used hammock, and a middle-ground view heading down to the beach. It is in this rustic, charming setting that director Jeremy Hutton unravels Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon: a down-and-out American “man of God” who struggles to come to terms with his past and, finally, his nature in the sweltering heat of Mexico.