Thoughts on "Noble Parasites"

[rusty_armour]

Today was a beautiful, warm, sunny day in Toronto, one of the only beautiful, warm, sunny days we've had this year, and I chose to spend part of it sitting inside a tiny dark theatre. However, it wasn't exactly a hardship as I was watching "Noble Parasites," a play I'd wanted to see since I first heard about it. I'm very fortunate to be living in a city with so much theatre. Although I've lived here my entire life, I'd never been to the Theatre Passe Muraille, so that was a first for me. Even more exciting was the prospect of watching Kate Hewlett (who I knew from Stargate Atlantis, of course) perform live. From what I've read in her blog, Kate Hewlett seems very passionate about the theatre, so I was eager to see her in her chosen milieu. I'm happy to report that I wasn't disappointed. While Kate Hewlett has an incredible screen presence, she's definitely in her element on stage. It was a real pleasure to watch her and fellow actors, Julian Richings and Amy Rutherford, perform.

For those of you who aren't familiar with "Noble Parasites," it's a two-part sci-fi play that's both dark and funny. Written by award-winning playwright, Mike McPhaden, the play stars Kate Hewlett (from the aforementioned Stargate Atlantis), Julian Richings (Hard Core Logo, Cube) and Amy Rutherford (Confessions of an American Bride, Puppets Who Kill).

In Part I: The Bookworm, centuries have passed and the world has undergone a drastic change. Most species of animals and plant life have been wiped out, and people have been forced to live underground to avoid the deadly radiation of the sun. Lindy (Kate Hewlett) and Fran (Amy Rutherford) play cousins who are both trying to rise above their current roles in society, though we soon learn that what they truly want most is beyond their reach. I thought both actresses managed to convey the intense hunger, both literal and metaphorical, of their characters. There's visible fear and tension emanating from them during their performances, yet there's also a faint sense of hope underlying that fierce desperation. Even the severe and dogmatic Minister (Julian Richings) isn't completely immune. He obviously craves knowledge beyond the known teachings of their society.

The events of Part II: Sea Change are closer to the present. However, even though it's just decades in the future, the world only has a passing resemblance to our own. It has suffered from even further physical and moral decay, growing increasingly violent and almost entirely dependent on technology. Thomas (Julian Richings), having suffered financial ruin as a result of his own brainchild, seems misplaced and out of synch with his time. His shoes are old and he has trouble interfacing with his personal technological device. His interaction with Kelly (Kate Hewlett) and Heather (Amy Rutherford) doesn't help matters, and he's left even more confused and bewildered. Neither Kelly nor Heather are whom they seem. They each have their own hidden agendas -- quite literally hidden in Kelly's case. As I don't want to give the plot away, I'll just say that Kelly must be a fun character to play. She certainly got a lot of laughs from the audience. It's sad but one of the most amusing moments for me was when Kelly was convinced that Thomas had low blood sugar and pulled an "I-Bar" (think futuristic power bar) out of her bag. Remind you of anyone? *g*

Besides the excellent writing and acting, I think there are a number of factors that make this production work. The sets and costumes are simple but extremely effective. The colours are very muted and almost monochrome, with greys, blacks and browns. Everything is very minimalist, as if all but the most important elements have been stripped away. I think this starkness suits the harsh underground world of the first part particularly well. The lighting and sound effects played a role in both parts, but definitely served to add an extra layer of dimension to the second part.

While "Noble Parasites" is quite dark, I didn't find it bleak or oppressive. I found the stories more thought-provoking than anything, and it helps that there are wonderful touches of humour throughout. The play isn't trying to preach to the audience -- just present two possible scenarios of the future.

For more information about "Noble Parasites" check out the Theatre Passe Muraille website. I also definitely recommend mklutz's review of "Noble Parasites," which made me want to see the play even more.

Comments

[mangst.livejournal.com]

How was the audience size? I know Kate was kind of despairing of how small they were on her blog. I wish I could go, it sounds like a blast, but a trip to Toronto would require an over night stay and I just don't have the funds.

[alysscarlet.livejournal.com]

Sounds really intriguing! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I wonder if it would ever come to London....

I can't remember - did you go and see the Lord of the Rings theatre show in the end? It's opening in London next month and I'm still debating whether to spend my money.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

The audience size definitely could have been better. While it was great to be able to snag a seat in the second row, a larger audience would have been preferable. It's rather sad because it's a great play and the price is right. You'd pay a lot more in other theatres.

It's a shame that you won't be able to see "Noble Parasites," but I understand why it's impossible for you at the moment. Even if you could get the funds together, etc., the play is ending on the 29th, so that doesn't leave you a lot of time. Maybe you'll be able to see another Kate Hewlett play in the future. It sounds like she does a lot of theatre, so I'm sure she'll be appearing in something again fairly soon.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Sounds really intriguing! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I wonder if it would ever come to London....

The play was definitely intriguing and had a very cool concept. Unfortunately, this is a pretty small production, so I'm not sure if it's likely to make it to London. I know that some Canadian plays have been featured at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, so that's a little closer to you. *g* If I ever hear of it coming to London, I'll let you know. :-)

I can't remember - did you go and see the Lord of the Rings theatre show in the end? It's opening in London next month and I'm still debating whether to spend my money.

I did go see it, though I basically ended up buying tickets because I got an excellent deal on them. Still, I thought it was a pretty spectacular production. The staging and effects were very impressive. I'm still surprised that it didn't do better in Toronto. I was sure that it would play here for years.

I'm reluctant to recommend this to you because I know you're a consummate theatre goer and this may or may not be to your taste. I know two LotR fans who loved the production if that's any indication of the quality of the show. Maybe you should see what some of the critics say before making a decision.

[stormheller.livejournal.com]

tovalentin, <lj user = "etui> and I were there, too, and enjoyed it immensely. I particularly like the writing. And the sets. Oh, and the acting. XD

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I wondered if there might be other SGA fans in the audience! :-) I'm glad you and etui both enjoyed it. I agree with you about everything you've mentioned: the writing, the sets and the acting were great! In fact, I think they ended up surpassing my expectations!

[stormheller.livejournal.com]

I briefly considered wearing my McShep T-shirt, but it didn't really go with my outfit... or acceptable public behaviour. ;-)

Are you local? I live and work in the Yonge & Eglinton area.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I briefly considered wearing my McShep T-shirt, but it didn't really go with my outfit... or acceptable public behaviour. ;-)

Ah...I understand. Well, I don't own a McShep t-shirt (unfortunately), but I can imagine what one might look like... *Gazes off into space dreamily*

Are you local? I live and work in the Yonge & Eglinton area.

Okay, that's scary. You're not going to believe this, but I live around Yonge & Eglinton too! Small world, eh? :-) Oh! And if I'm not mistaken, you're the publisher of the zines (Surfacing I & II) a friend of mine has been planning to buy! She keeps joking that she should just drop by (as the address is local), so she won't have to pay for shipping and handling. *g* She originally offered to let me read her copies and then I could decide whether I wanted to buy the zines myself. However, I'm finding it harder and harder to resist the temptation. I have a feeling that I might be the one lending out zines!

[stormheller.livejournal.com]

Just a couple of weeks ago, I added this to the website: Toronto fen are welcome to pick your zines up in person and save shipping charges. Email storm_haven@hotmail.com. In the last 2 months, I've met 4 really neat fen this way, including mklutz (who is waaay fun beyond her tender years ;-) )

Not only do you save the shipping and handling, but we get to meet each other. (Forget the zines, we can just meet up if you like.) There are actually 3 of us that live at Y&E, and a larger group that meets weekly at the Pickle Barrel in the Y&E Centre and then goes to movies.

Any interest? I've been meeting up with people in the cafe on the second floor of Chapters Indigo at Y&E. Let me know if I should bring zines cuz they're at my partner's place.

~ Stormy (if you want to reply off lj, storm_haven@hotmail.com)

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Just a couple of weeks ago, I added this to the website: Toronto fen are welcome to pick your zines up in person and save shipping charges. Email storm_haven@hotmail.com.

I have to confess that I haven't been to the website for a while. I'm guessing my friend (who has been crazy busy at work) hasn't visited recently either. I'll email her before my lunch break is over and give her the good news. This might be just the incentive we both need to finally buy copies of the zines!

Not only do you save the shipping and handling, but we get to meet each other. (Forget the zines, we can just meet up if you like.) There are actually 3 of us that live at Y&E, and a larger group that meets weekly at the Pickle Barrel in the Y&E Centre and then goes to movies.

Wow! That sounds like fun! :-) I'd love to meet you and maybe get together with the larger group some time. The Pickle Barrel is one of my favourite restaurants in the area and who doesn't like going to the movies?

Any interest? I've been meeting up with people in the cafe on the second floor of Chapters Indigo at Y&E. Let me know if I should bring zines cuz they're at my partner's place.

Let me email my friend and see if she's still interested. That way you might be able to get two customers for the price of one. Well, not the price, obviously, but you know what I mean. I've added your email address to my contacts list, so I'll send you a message soon.

Thanks for the info! I'm looking forward to meeting you! :-)

[losyark.livejournal.com]

It occurs to me that you like in Toronto.

Logically, I knew this. Duh, we`d talked about it when you were mentioning Scarburough. What did not click was that *I* now live in Toronto.

Hm.