Theatre Review
Production: The Country
Company: Theatre Junction, in association with Crow's Theatre
Written By: Martin Crimp
Directed By: Chris Abraham
Principle Actors: Mark Lawes, Fiona Byrne, Raphaele Thiriet
Run: November 19 - 28, 2009
Where: Calgary, AB

From the moment you walk into Theatre Junction Grand, you become irrefutably aware that this is not your average theatre company. From the remarkable light fixtures to the hip restaurant and lounge that looks like it belongs in the heart of Manhattan, the space is not only a testament to impeccable interior design, but it sends a clear message that this is a place where creativity and cultural awareness abound.

The theatre itself is modest in size, providing a strong sense of intimacy and connection between the audience and performers. It seems just the right depth to host a play such as The Country by Martin Crimp. The Country chronicles a young family who choose to abandon the rush of the city to make a home in the country. The shift in surrounding is an attempt to leave their urban baggage behind and start fresh. However, it seems the problems that plagued them in the city cannot be so easily washed away and, if anything, the isolation of nature only accentuates the lingering lies and intrinsic feelings of vacancy.

The play follows three characters: Richard, the husband and doctor who seems to embody a subtle mixture of master manipulator and human weakness; Corinne, Richard's wife whose neurosis seems driven by a desperate need to both find and hide the truth; and Rebecca, an exotic and complex young woman with a dark habit. Without giving too much of the plot away, Richard, Corinne and Rebecca's paths collide in a manner which forces them to face the consequences of their love, lies, betrayal, addiction and acceptance. Through various twists and turns the three quickly discover that sometimes, no matter where you are, city or country, there are some things in life that cannot be so simply escaped.

Through the direction of Chris Abraham, this production of The Country manages to be engaging and thought provoking from start to finish. The acting on all parts seemed relatively effortless. At no point did it feel forced or fraudulent, but always emanating from real, raw human emotion. My only criticism, and it is incredibly minor, would be that I often found the transitional music slightly overbearing and loud given the intimate nature of the space and the production itself. Although this small infraction was a bit distracting, overall this was a fabulous play and one that I would recommend to anyone with an interest in the human psyche and contemporary theatre.

Theatre Junction Grand has indeed set the bar high with The Country, and if this is any indication of the remainder of the season, I can say without a shred of doubt that I look forward to the months ahead, and the productions to come.

Written by :

Kristiana.Barber

 

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