There are moments when all of us must reflect on the absurdity of life. Sometimes we laugh, other times we cry, and then there are those instances when we simply throw up our hands in exasperation.
The play The Best Brothers, currently playing at the Great Canadian Theatre Compay until March 29, offers a clever perspective on dealing with the absurd. Written by Governor Generals Award winning Canadian playwright Daniel MacIvor, this fantastic work provides wisdom (and a lot of laughs) by telling a story that is based on a pretty farcical situation.
In fact, truth be told, the premise is completely ridiculous: the mother of two brothers named Hamilton and Kyle is killed in a freak accident at a gay pride parade, when a hefty drag queen called Pina Colada falls off a float and crushes her. The play looks at how the two brothers deal with this unbelievably absurd tragedy.
In the hands of a weak playwright, this premise could quickly descend into one big, gimmicky mess. Fortunately for the audience, MacIvor’s impressive talents are able to turn this crazy premise into a captivating story.
For a trailer on what you can expect see the clip below.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POhyA5qe5XY&feature=youtube[/youtube]
One thing that I really liked about this play is its honesty. Neither the brothers, their mother or the other characters mentioned in the story are portrayed as victims or saints. Rather, they are shown as normally flawed humans, who somehow are able to gain wisdom when faced with an insane dose of craziness.
The contrast between the two brothers is also well done. While Hamilton designs buildings is well spoken and serious, his brother Kyle sells condos is at times highly inappropriate and a bit of a goofball.
It would be a mistake, however, to describe this play as one that is occupied solely with deep thoughts. MacIvor’s highly amusing sense humour appears throughout the play, whether through his creation of the wonderful character Enzo (you will laugh your heart out when you discover who he is), or the darkly hysterical scene at the funeral when the two brothers interrupt each other during the eulogy.
In fact, I was so captivated by the wonderful dialogue, I was inspired to purchase a copy of the script so I could enjoy the great writing at home.
Eric Coates, the play’s director and the artistic director of the GCTC, must also be commended for his first-rate work. With minimal touches and almost no set props, he was able to move the narrative from scene to scene with beautiful precision.
As for the acting, it is good. John Ng, who I last saw at the GCTC in This is War, does a fair job in his portrayal of Hamilton. Similarly, Andy Massingham, who recently played Paul Wolfowitz in Stuff Happens at the National Arts Centre, gives a respectable showing as Kyle.
The Best Brothers plays at the Great Canadian Theatre Company (1233 Wellington St. W.) until March 29. Tickets start a $28.
