Scorched - an epic in sand and depth

There are few times when a piece of theatre can truly be described as “epic”. The word is often used to describe the superficial dimensions of a show, usually in the context of massive musicals or other excessive productions that are generated by a big budget but not necessarily a creative vision to match.

One could argue that a truer meaning of epic theatre is that which stretches the boundaries of storytelling and maximizes every advantage the medium has to offer (regardless of literal production value) in order to both provoke and enchant the audience with lasting effect.

The Tarragon Theatre can be proud to say that its remount of Wajdi Mouawad’s Scorched is, without reservation, an “epic” piece of theatre in that truer sense of the word. Mouawad’s broad and twisting story leads the characters, and by extension the audience, through a long and complex history of forbidden love, civil war, and family strife. When adult twins, Janine and Simon, are sent on a mysterious mission by Nawal, their recently deceased mother, via her will and its quirky notary executor, Alphonse, they discover truths that instil them with both pride and horror.

Mouawad’s script is not faultless; it could have easily been rendered more taut and efficient with a bit of editing but it’s a small quibble given the sheer breadth of emotion it lays out. Structurally speaking, an experienced theatre goer will be able to piece together a few of the plot developments and turns well before they are spelled out in explicit terms by the characters - but this too is easily forgiven thanks to a strong conclusion that leaves the audience universally rattled. Although Mouawad’s script is largely rooted in naturalism, his dialogue is often blunt and colourful and lends itself to both patiently drawn out exchanges and rapid fire back and forth’s. He is also to be commended for his subtle usage of fire and water as motifs that add a symbolic weight to the piece and highlight the themes of violence and peace, corruption and purity.

Thankfully, director Richard Rose avoids hammering on the symbolic elements with ham-fisted or patronizing tactics, instead choosing to shape the production with stylistic and technical touches that give it a distinctly raw flavour. Still and elongated silences heighten tension, while other almost madly kinetic scenes stretch the audience’s sanity. Rose uses abrupt but interwoven scene changes that alter the mood and chronological setting instantly, leaving the audience feeling startled and manipulated.

Performances are strong across the board with a few particularly noteworthy names; Alon Nashman adds a touch of well balanced levity as Alphonse, the cheerful notary with an aptitude for mangling turns of phrase, while Janick Hebert wears her heart on her sleeve (although compellingly so) as a young Nawal. Sophie Goulet’s artfully restrained performance as Janine is both steely and understated, and Nicola Lipman steals the show, delivering a goosebump raising monologue as an aged Nawal. If there is a weak spot it is Alex Poch-Goldin as Nihad. Poch-Goldin is a fine actor, but doesn’t have the gravitas to render Nihad as chillingly as is required.

Graeme Thomson’s desert-like set design deserves special mention for the sheer volume of sand used. The giant “sandbox” that covers every inch of the stage certainly makes for an arresting visual, but also serves to bog the actors’ movements down which adds a unique physical dimension to their performances.

With so many reasons to go see Scorched, Torontonians are doing so - in droves. In fact virtually all remaining performances are already sold out, but the good news is that the Tarragon Theatre announced today that the production will be returning for an extra run this upcoming spring, June 9th to 28th. In the mean time, Scorched will be touring nation wide, hitting up the Centaur Theatre in Montreal, the Manitoba Theatre Centre in Winnipeg and the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton. Keep your eyes open because if this show’s track record is any indication, tickets are going to go fast. It’s the rare kind of experience that leaves one breathless and moved, and should not be missed.

Scorched, Written by Wajdi Mouawad, Translated by Linda Gaboriau, Directed by Richard Rose; originally co-produced by The Tarragon Theatre and Canada's National Arts Centre. It runs until 28th September at the Tarragon Theatre before going on a national tour. It returns to Toronto for 9-28 June. More information is here.