“Once Upon a Time”: Vision Theatre Presents The Pillowman

I first became acquainted with Irish playwright-turned-filmmaker Martin McDonagh's black comedy The Pillowman last June while helping local actor and fellow blogger Sterling Lynch prepare to audition for the show.  Based on that experience alone, I knew it was sure to be an interesting production, so I was glad to have the opportunity to attend the Friday, September 25, performance at the Arts Court Theatre.

McDonagh's play tells of Katurian, a short-story writer living in a totalitarian state, who is imprisoned and interrogated by detectives investigating a crime that may have been inspired by his unpublished writings.  The complex storyline illustrates the power of narrative, and questions the responsibility of an author for actions inspired by his work.  Stories are powerful things.... would it be better if some stories were never written?  Can beauty be found in the darkest most disturbing tales?  All of these questions emerge from the simple and constantly repeated phrase: "Once Upon a Time."

As the narrative unravels, the audience is treated to re-enactments of the Katurian's dark stories, presented as Can beauty be found in the darkest most disturbing tales? vignettes reminiscent of a cross between Grimm's Fairy Tales and episodes of Itchy and Scratchy.  Themes of brutal violence and the torture of children abound, but, because the stories are taken to such ridiculous extremes, the vignettes are actually quite comical.

Kris Joseph, David Whiteley & Brad Long. Photo by Tim Ginley

Director Ken Godmere and the Vision Theatre team employ a number of intriguing theatrical techniques to present Katurian's various works -- some of which work better than others.  In one instance, shadow puppets are used especially effectively.  In another tale, human puppets play out the story behind a curtain/flag.  Unfortunately, this directorial choice leaves the audience often staring at a blank curtain while the actors prepare for the next scene.

The set, broken up into three performances spaces, has a funky cut-out feel to it; think of the Museum of Science's "crazy kitchen", but with the aesthetics of an unknown totalitarian regime.  It is visually striking, but the bars of the prison cell to one side unfortunately obscure the stage slightly (though it's a fairly minor issue).

Ultimately, it is not the technical gimmicks, but the performances of the cast that make this production so much fun to watch.

Kris Joseph puts in a solid lead performance as Katurian, and his intonation and expression largely carry the vignettes.  As an actor, he tells a good story.  Bradley Long also puts in a remarkable performance as the jaded Detective Tupolski.  The play is at its best when Long and Joseph engage with each other, both clearly feeding off one another's energy and bringing out the best in each other's performance.

Given The Pillowman's black comedy, strong language, and potentially disturbing subject matter, it certainly won't appeal to all audiences, but I found Vision's production to be satisfying version of McDonagh's challenging play.  Vision Theatre has intentionally chosen a difficult piece, and they should be applauded for taking risks and daring to be innovative.  The Pillowman is a show worth seeing.

For more information and performance times click here

Wayne Current is a writer, communications expert, director, and blogger. Check out manyfacesofwayne.wordpress.com for more of his work.

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