Review: Gripping Family Drama in New Century's FESTEN

New Century Theatre Company, hot off their Gregory Award win for Theatre of the Year, has once again shown why they're one of the best in town with their truly affecting production of "Festen". Where other companies might have put on a passable show, New Century Theatre Company gives a gripping and sometimes disturbing production showing off the insane amounts of talent they have at their disposal.

In David Eldridge's play (based on the Danish film of the same name translated to "The Celebration" for its North American release) we take a look into the party of a wealthy family as they celebrate the 60th birthday of the family's patriarch Helge (Bradford Farwell). One by one each of the children show up. The successful Christian (Connor Toms), the flighty Helene (Betsy Schwartz), and the troubled youngest Michael (MJ Sieber) who's bad behavior has kept him from actually being invited to this gathering. Sadly missing from the festivities is Christian's twin sister Linda who recently committed suicide. But it's a party and this family is all about putting on a good face despite any troubles and so the food and drinks begin to flow. But once the speeches start Christian offers the group a choice of which speech he should deliver, green or yellow. Not knowing anything of the speeches Helge selects green which Christian reveals as the "truth speech" and the horrifying secret of the family's past is revealed throwing the evening into turmoil.

Eldridge's play manages a beautiful study of this family trying to keep up appearances as is displayed by their insistence that the secrets revealed are not true and the party must go on which eventually feels like a forced march to having fun. But director Wilson Milam has taken this script and created a world where volumes are being communicated even when nothing is being spoken. Sure the dialog is riveting but some of the most powerful moments of the play came from silence and reaction.

The ensemble, as with most NCTC shows, is the cream of the crop of Seattle theater actors. Farwell's arc from Lord of the manor to broken pariah is a stunner. Amy Thone as the matriarch Else has little to say in the play but gives a performance of studied nuance and laser focus showing off much of that silent communication I mentioned. Schwartz shows some wonderful moments especially as she uncovers the proof of the troubles. Sieber as the blustering black sheep of the family turns in a superb performance as he goes from outcast to potential favorite in one scene. Brenda Joyner as Michael's trod upon wife Mette gives a gorgeous look at a strong woman stuck in an abusive relationship. But it's Toms whose palpable angst keeps the tension amped up to 11 and gives one of the best performances I think I've seen from him.

"Festen" is a glorious study of the destruction of a family and what the Weston's in "August Osage County" do in 3 hours, this family does in 90 minutes so hang on. And so with my three letter rating system I give "Festen" a riveted and slightly disturbed YAY. And on a personal note, New Century Theatre Company has now made me cry at the theater three times. Once from tragic beauty in "Holy Days", once from heartbreaking romance in "Mary's Wedding" and now from familial betrayal. Now that's what I call a trifecta of sobbing.

"Festen" from New Century Theatre Company performs at 12th Avenue Arts through November 21st. For tickets or information visit them online at www.wearenctc.org.

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