Reviewed by Tania Levy
60 min | Comedy, Drama | Mature
Immolation has become synonymous with the image of a Buddhist monk protesting against the Vietnam War. This act of sacrifice by fire is one of the most potent images of modern journalism. Giving up your life in service to the greater good is a brazen representation of personal belief. Sacrifice has so often been a public spectacle. How do you transform such a public display of conviction into a private moment of resolve? It is this question that is the spark of Immolation, the sophomore project of Caitlin Corbett and Here Be Dragons, who brought the popular Morningstar to last year’s Fringe.
Immolation certainly begins with a bang. So much so I can’t, in good faith, say too much or it may spoil the rest of the show. Kit and Kes are old friends who had a falling out a VERY long time ago. Kit has never quite gotten over it and chafes at Kes’ playful disdain for his feelings. An ages-old feud emerges and we are swept up in the furies of regret, vengeance, of love lost and found. These themes are as timeless as the characters themselves, each one an archetype of humanity’s weakness. It is a furious display of how love can turn to hate, determination to indecision, certainty to doubt. The actors take to these counterpoints with gusto. However I was left wanting a bit more nuance and subtlety to balance the vitriol.
Corbett has a strong grasp of language and her passion for writing is clearly evident. She assumes intelligence in her audience and her script does not shy away from complexity of vocabulary and strength of tone. Corbett highlights the commonality of human aggression and desire in this quick-paced two-hander. Some scenes could stand being trimmed to allow for more focus and development of the personal relationship between the two leads. It’s an ambitious script with plenty of room to grow. I’m interested in what Corbett has up her sleeve for her next script.
Immolation by Here Be Dragons is playing at Venue 1-Arts Court Theatre on Sunday, June 22 at 4:00pm; Monday, June 23 at 9:00pm; Wednesday, June 25 at 6:00pm; Saturday, June 28 at 10:00pm; and Sunday, June 29 at 1:00pm. Tickets are $10.
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