BWW Reviews: NCTC's THE TRIAL Brimming With Nightmarish Intensity

This is not a play. You are informed that as soon as you step into the oppressive world of New Century Theatre Company's current production of "Franz Kafka's The Trial" adapted by Kenneth Albers. And it's true; it's not so much a play as it is an existential experience as the bureaucracy of this world sorts even the audience as they enter (be sure to come in with the people you want to sit with). And what follows is a cool and finely crafted descent down the rabbit hole from one of Seattle's best theater companies.

Not to worry if you're not into being part of the play, the interaction mostly ends after you are seated. But you are there to bear witness to the trial of a confused man, Joseph K (Darragh Kennan) as he wakes one morning to find two officers of the court in his room explaining to him that he is to be arrested. After being interrogated by a supremely creepy inspector (MJ Sieber), Joseph is sent on to live his life. But the government isn't done with him yet as he is further scrutinized over the coming months and forced to enlist the aid of a high poweRed Lawyer, Sophie Kleist (Amy Thone) who isn't so much concerned with Joseph and the facts but who she knows within the courts that she can persuade to look at things her way. I won't go into too much more detail as trying to describe the madness that ensues would be like trying to find the correct path through an Escher painting. But then that's the crux of Kafka as we focus on an everyman who is trapped by society with little or no means of escape.

Director John Langs has taken what could be a confusing mess in the hands of a less experienced cast and crew and turned it into a surreal dance of sorts as every move, gesture and utterance on the stage seems to have the utmost importance. And speaking of the cast and crew, it's no surprise that with NCTC's reputation and membership they've managed to pull in the cream of the crop of local talent.

Kennan is sublime as the only seemingly sane and real person in this surreal world. Unfortunately that means he's the only one who doesn't know what's going on and he plays that guarded confusion brilliantly. Sieber manages the creepy moments of the inspector with glee but then also comes back to deliver a powerful denouement as a priest who seems to know the reasons behind all that is happening to Joseph. Thone as the Lark powered attorney Kleist is equal parts crazed and laser focused as she wheels across the stage dolling out legal advice. The remainder of the ensemble is nothing short of a marvel and I'd be here all day extolling their virtues. But I do want to mention a few. Michael Patten and Alex Matthews each take their multiple roles and infuse them with individuality and menace. And Alexandra Tavares turns her lone scene as the "sculptor" Titorelli into a mesmerizing mélange of seduction and wit.

And if all that weren't enough they have on board a dream team of designers, with Jennifer Zeyl's beautifully sparse set, Kimberly Newton's pitch perfect costumes, and haunting lights and sound from Geoff Korf and Robertson Witmer. All of which combines to create this nightmarish world that perfectly compliments Kafka's bizarre tale.

New Century has once again put together a gorgeously hard-hitting piece that you'll be thinking about for days afterwards. Do not miss this one! You might need some of its lessons in case you're put on trial.

"The Trial" from New Century Theatre Company performs at Inscape Arts through April 28^th. For tickets or information visit them online at www.wearenctc.org.

Photo credit: Chris Bennion

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