by Olga Barsky
In this double feature we get two different plays, by Hannah Moscovitch, that manage to work together impeccably. They are definitely in the right order.
The first play ESSAY is a spirited discourse about sexism woven into the culture and vernacular of academia.
In ESSAY, a teaching assistant and a student disagree on how women fit into centuries old war strategy. The TA refuses her choice of topic only to get a conflicting view from the condescending course professor who makes light of the situation. The gender lined discourse continues stretching the wits of both men as the discussion heats up.
When the appropriately named Pixie the student rejoins the conversation, instead of getting an essay review she gets a raw deal from the embattled fellows. In an attempt to address and hopefully rectify women’s understated record in war history – the argument spills over into heated words and embarrassment. The professor equates women’s involvement in war to that of Napoleon’s horse – terming the field of study ‘horsestory’ while Poor Pixie gets called a “lobotomy in a skirt,” by her TA. This is definitely my kind of play!
The gender discussions are woven well into a narrative that on the surface seems light, funny and easy to watch, but is very much relevant. The three players do well in setting a brisk pace and rounding out the heated moments with very real reactions and exchanges.
The RUSSIAN PLAY is also brisk in its exchanges but sets a more somber tone. Fortunately, the heavy material is aided by the comic relief and charisma of the narrator Sonya, a “stupid” Russian girl.
This play follows the story of Sonya, a flower shop girl who falls in love with a married gravedigger.
The stage is bare and the props minimal. There are a total of three actors and a violinist who supplies the crowd with melancholy accompaniment to the tragically ironic tale as it unfolds before our eyes.
The hour-long production reaffirms what we already know – Russian plays are depressing as hell and love is “shit” – but it does this beautifully.
These two plays will make you laugh, clench your jaws, and consider the ramifications of hiding bread in a jail cell. However, most importantly you will leave the theatre feeling challenged.
Catch RUSSIAN PLAY/ESSAY onstage at FACTORY THEATRE (125 Bathurst Street) until February 17
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