The God That Comes - Welcome to the Cabaret Concept Album

Christian Barry of 2b theatre company (based in Halifax) has collaborated with musician Hawksley Workman to create a one-man show based on Euripides' The Bacchae. Workman plays multiple instruments and multiple characters in this 75-minute show which has been touring Canada as a work-in-progress, opened officially in Calgary this spring and now has landed at the Cultch Historic Theatre for two weeks. 

For The God Who Comes, the theatre is set up cabaret-style with additional seating around tables and chairs on the floor near the stage. The small raised stage boasts lush red curtains, a plethora of musical instruments and mannequin heads wearing bright wigs. Rather than starting on time, we are invited to hang out in the theatre for another 10 minutes and chat while everyone in the audience has a chance to buy a drink at the bar. (However, the show didn't get going until nearly half past eight. Perhaps this is a period of adjustment for the new liquor licence rules allowing Cultch patrons to drink in the theatre? Remember everyone, show up early if you want a drink!)

At the top of the show, Hawksley Workman (as himself) gives the quick history lesson / prologue on the story to come. Written by playwright Hannah Moscovitch, it's effective but also pulls any potential dramatic punch this performance might hold. As the show begins, Workman tells the story through songs. Using wigs and costumes, he channels the young king, his mother and the god of wine. To help the audience follow the transformations, spotlights illuminate the different mannequin heads. It's like a set of monologues told through song.

With respect to the music, Workman plays various instruments and is accompanied by various pre-recorded tracks which make it sound like a full rock'n'roll band. Basically, it's a concept album onstage. At various points, the performance reminded me of Hedley and the Angry Inch, The Who's Tommy and even Cabaret. To preview the music of The God Who Comes, check it out on iTunes. To learn more about Workman's approach to creating and performing this show, click here to go to an excellent CBC Music blog post.

The first few songs drew me into the show and the subtle theatrical tricks did enhance the experience. Workman is clearly a talented musician and performer - I loved the drumming with sticks that looked like spears! But I eventually wanted more from this show than it delivered. The audience reaction seemed mixed - some were very enthusiastic and others did not clap at all. I think you'll have to check it out yourself to decide which camp you belong to.