Review: A Bright Vision Brings BOTTICELLI IN THE FIRE & SUNDAY IN SODOM to Life

Canadian Stage's 2015/2016 season comes to a close with the world premiere of two plays by acclaimed Governor General's Award-winning playwright Jordan Tannahill. The work is a collaboration with Canadian Stage and the Department of Theatre at York University which presents a bold double bill that combines a vivacious take on Renaissance art history and a gripping adaptation of a biblical tale. BOTTICELLI IN THE FIRE & SUNDAY IN SODOM are directed by Matjash Mrozewki and Estelle Shook respectively, both 2015 graduates of York University's MFA Program in Theatre - Stage Direction in Collaboration with Canadian Stage. Starring Salvatore Antonio, Valerie Buhagiar, Nicola Correia-Damude, Stephen Jackman-Torkoff, Christopher Morris and Alon Nashman, the double bill is an outstanding showcase of a bright theatrical vision brought to life with an outstanding creative team.

The double bill opens with the outrageous BOTTICELLI IN THE FIRE, an inspired take on the life of Renaissance painter, Sandro Botticelli, arguably known best for his painting, The Birth of Venus. The 85-minute play follows the scandalous life of the sexually-adventurous painter as he indulges in love and pleasure and gets caught in a sticky situation with the Medici family. Botticelli is tasked to paint a portrait of Clarice (Correia-Damude), the wife of Lorenzo de' Medici which results in the two engaging in intense sexual relations during their painting sessions. Lorenzo (Morris) is suspicious of their actions which results in an elaborate and over-the-top plan to expose their affair. The play also introduces Botticelli's young lover and mentee, Leondaro (Jackman-Torkoff) and their forbidden love adds an emotional depth to the otherwise lighthearted narrative. Their love and his sacrifice for their love is a powerful theme that is still just as relevant in today's time.

BOTTICELLI IN THE FIRE is uniquely contrasts Renaissance history against modern times, adding a palatable level of context to the otherwise dated material. This involves modern inserts including a "chill-out playlist", references to the playoffs and a few alludes to the brunch craze. This outrageous approach to the narrative was full of humour and well-received by the audience. Of course, liberties were taken in this adaptation that worked surprisingly well and were brought to life beautifully by director Mrozewki. Though the one-act play which runs at 85 minutes drags at some points and seems to run a scene too long. In the midst of the high energy and comedic points, were sulking and panned out scenes. While not perfect, it's a strong effort and a testament to the sure-to-be thriving career of Tannahill.

The second piece in this moving double bill is SUNDAY IN SODOM, which sees a great shift in tone from the lighthearted and humorous to a deeply emotional and painful take at a mother's painful past. The short play sees Edith recount how her husband welcomed two injured American soldiers into their house and the fury this sparked in their village. This brings context to the events that led to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and her choice to look back on her hometown as she flees. SUNDAY IN SODOM is a gripping 30-minute play that is much tighter than the first entry in the double bill, nearly perfectly executed. Valerie Buhagiar shines as the matriarch of this family, her painful encounters and strong stature captivating the audience.

BOTTICELLI IN THE FIRE & SUNDAY IN SODOM are two unique pieces of theatre that at first glance don't have a clear linkage. It's the unique storytelling, the first-person narrative and opportunity for the main character in each to tell their story from their perspective that unites the two pieces of theatre. The transformation of the cast and set between the first and second play illustrate the talent of not just the cast, but of the creative team behind the scenes. Ambitious and unique, the plays represent a bright future for theatre in Canada as the program is reigned by up-and-coming theatrical visionaries

BOTTICELLI IN THE FIRE & SUNDAY IN SODOM are playing at the Berkeley Street Downstairs Theatre until May 15. For tickets and more information, visit canadianstage.com.

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