Three beds set the stage, in three bedrooms in a motel set in the Caribou region of British Columbia. This sets the stage of Après Moi by Christian Begin for six versions of the same story, six ways of experiencing the same moment with increasing intimacy. In a motel off Route 117, three rooms are in use. In the first, a man and woman will commit adultery for the first time. In the second, a couple will make love for the last time. In the third, a lonely man wants to die. In each room, a singular, extraordinary event will occur. And when one door opens, will it make any difference to anyone’s destiny?
This was a well-acted play of thoughts with the different scenarios and my wondering how each was going to play out, both tragedy and life come into play, then connections and how these guests in each of these rooms are connected in one way or another. Fascinating production by Ruby Slippers Theatre taking the audience on a very human journey through love, loss, compassion and memory.
Après Moi is the English language premiere production (commissioned by Ruby Slippers), is directed by Diane Brown and stars Vancouver theatre veterans Scott Bellis, David Bloom, Jennifer Lines, Chirag Naik and Dawn Petten. The List is directed by Jack Paterson and stars France Perras. With Set and Lights by John Webber, Costumes by Drew Facey and Sound Design by Mishelle Cuttler, the double bill runs through February 1, 2015 at Studio 16.
The 2nd play in this double bill, is another production from Ruby Slippers Theatre that sees a woman tell the story from her kitchen, about her neighbor that died. In The List by Jennifer Tremblay, the woman, who prides herself on never letting anything slip by, has overlooked an item on her list. This play is a riveting tale that challenges the audience to see that the essential and the ordinary are inextricably entwined.
The List is written by Jennifer Tremblay and translated by Shelley Tepperman.| Venue: Studio 16 1555 W 7th Avenue | Tickets: $23/$18.5 | Runs through February 1, 2015-8pm, with a $15 Preview on January 27 with 2 2pm matinees on January 31 and February 1. Purchase tickets here.
Photos by: Tim Matheson
