Review: (Vancouver) Blood Relations

L-R Courtney Shields, Mercedes de la Zerda (photo by Tim Matheson)

An intriguing tale of an accused killer, Lizzie Borden
UBC production falls short of their usual standards
by Chris Lane

As the last play of the season for Theatre at UBC, Blood Relations tells the tale of Lizzie Borden, who was accused and acquitted for the murder of her father and stepmother in 1892. Blood Relations starts off with Lizzie Borden speaking with her companion, actress Nance O’Neil, ten years after Lizzie’s acquittal. The pair were rumoured to be lovers, an angle that is evident in this play. The subject of the murder comes up, as does the ever-present question: did she do it? Lizzie has never told the actress or even her sister the truth, so she decides to play a game. In the game, the actress portrays Lizzie in a re-enactment of the events leading up to the murders. Lizzie was from a wealthy family, but felt out of place and had always resented her stepmother’s presence and apparent dislike of Lizzie.

Review: (Vancouver) Rhinoceros

Matt Reznek and Georgia Beaty (photo: Tim Matheson)

A herd of rhinos storms the UBC stage
Theatre students do Ionesco’s work justice in a strong and smart production
by Chris Lane

UBC Theatre students transform into a herd of stomping rhinoceroses in their current production of Rhinoceros, by Eugène Ionesco.

Ionesco’s play is a prime example of absurdist theatre. It’s funny, but it’s also a tragedy, and has a lot of meaning behind the ridiculous plot.

The play is set in a French village, whose townspeople are turning into rhinoceroses, one by one. The protagonist, Berenger, is a lazy fellow with a penchant for alcohol, but is forced to take life more seriously as he sees everyone around him willfully transform.