Rating: ★★★★ (out of 4)
This past week, another Theatre production opened its creative doors to the people of Toronto. Cruel & Tender, a provocative new production by Canadian Stage, is written by British playwright Martin Crimp. Crimp’s story is based upon an ancient greek story by Sophocles called The Woman of Trachis. The original story told the tale of a hero named Heracles who captured a young princess and sent her home to his wife, while he plundered and destroyed local villages. Crimp has given it a modern day perspective. A General plays the role of the local hero, fighting a war on terror in Africa. The General (Daniel Kash) captures an African princess by the name of Laela (Abena Malik) and sends her home to his rather spoiled wife Amelia (Arsinée Khanjian). Little does Amelia expect her arrival and nor does she understand the atrocities her husband has committed upon this girl.
Cruel & Tender is directed by two time Academy Award nominated director, Atom Egoyan. Egoyan, born in Cairo and an alumni of the University of Toronto, has created some of the finest films in the industry. His last quite well known feature was the 2009 erotic thriller Chloe, which showcased the collaboration between some of the industries finest personalities including Liam Neeson, Amanda Seyfried & Julianne Moore. What Egoyan does very well is take uncomfortable subject matter which few want to talk about and then magnifies the details. His magic can clearly be seen in Cruel & Tender. You have a story that is set in a time of war but what the play really focuses on is the characters within that war. It focuses on the minds of different characters while dabbling with different elements such as politics, marriage, selfish-ness, anger and a whole lot more.
When the play begins and runs for a couple of minutes, you are lost. You are trying to find the purpose of the dialogue, the purpose of those on stage. You begin to question why everything is happening the way that it is. This will happen if you are thinking too much. What Egoyan does very well is set up the characters for who they are. You are introduced to Khanjian’s Amelia and Rachel the Housekeeper (Brenda Robin) and their particular characteristics. For much of the play you won’t receive a reward for being attentive, or exhilarated because frankly, that’s not the point. What this play focuses on is the individual characters. You are introduced to a world where different elements play a different role in how a character interacts, very much like the real world. You are give a moment to visualize the inner thinking of each character and understand how their role affects anothers.
Each of the cast add their own flare to their respective roles. From Jonathan (Nigel Shawn Williams) the rather self-centered political man to Richard (Thomas Hauff) the rather careful news reporter, you are gifted with a diversity of roles that provide a collection of interesting characters. Sometimes their actions are completely pointless like random acts of bad Karaoke. However, in those instances its very easy to ask this question: aren’t many moments of life completely random? What this play does is bring the stage performance closer to reality rather than being super-sophisticated and complicated.
This realism is enhanced by the very intriguing stage set, giving something visual to pair with the performances. The lighting and sounds give a sense of drama, a sense of activity that is refreshing during long periods of dialogue. Additional stage actions such as the shattering of glass and the use of close-up videography add that dramatic feel, that deeper look into character.
If you are going to watch this play to feel all excited and rewarded then you should think twice. This play showcases a detailed study on character and how the construction of character plays an important role in the evolution of a story. You will be intrigued by each of the characters and left interested in their means of doing things. You will leave the play thinking about how a chain of events affects a character and how their character evolves to do other things. This play will truly give you that amazing study on character. It is not a musical or a gut-wrenching play. It is thought provoking and insightful – something you are left to think about once you are out of the theatre. Patience is key when watching this production.
Hats off to Atom Egoyan, his wonderful wife Arsinée Khanjian & the amazing cast of this brave production for putting on a great performance. Of course, to Martin Crimp as well for truly putting together an amazing play.
Cruel & Tender plays at the Bluma Appel Theatre at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts until February 18th 2012. For tickets, CLICK HERE
