Review: BLOOD WEDDING is Eerily Staged, but Lacks Emotion

The world premiere translation of the classic Spanish drama, BLOOD WEDDING is now playing at Soulpepper. Directed by Erin Brandenburg, the drama follows a young couple's troubled engagement as their love brings to life buried passions that threaten their relationship. Newly translated by Guillermo Verdecchia, the play is reimagined to take place in rural Ontario while still maintaining the classic tones of the original play.

The premise of BLOOD WEDDING is simple: A Groom (Gordan Hecht) is set to marry a Bride (Hailey Gillis) who still has feelings for another man Leonardo Felix (Colin Palangio) who has a wife and child - with another on a way. To complicate the family dynamic further, the groom's Mother, played by Soulepper veteran Diane D'Aquila, is full of vengeance as the Felix clan is responsible for the death of her husband and other son. D'Aquila's character is the most developed as her haunting authority and deeply rooted hatred adds depths to her character - something that many of the other faces in the drama lack.

At times, it felt like a modern take on classic Shakespeare; the pacing of the plot, archetypical characters and a feud between families.

BLOOD WEDDING is eerily staged with the transitions and set design paint stunning scenes. Its minimalistic design, paired with symbolic pieces creates a tone and atmosphere that works. The scarcely set stage allows for beautiful blocking and choreography as the actors move pieces around the stage in between scenes.

The star of the production was the gorgeous and eerie score played by on-stage band Andrew Penner and Anna Atkinson. The two musicians provided the majority of the emotion on stage through their folk renditions of well-known songs. Their cover of Wicked Games by Chris Isaak was a beautiful addition to the play.

While BLOOD WEDDING has all the ingredients for another Soulpepper hit, it falls short. Be it the disconnect and lack of passion of Hailey Gillis and her portrayal as the Bride, or the slow-paced plot that lacks build up, this production left audiences wanting more. Gillis had the opportunity to evoke emotional through the gut-wrenching scenes in the play; and while she was able to get into character, her emotion failed to translate into the audience. The only memorable performance in the 90-minute production was Diane D'Aquila.

This ambitious staging of BLOOD WEDDING has elements that are absolutely beautiful, but leaves much to be desired.

On stage through April 15 at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane Visit soulpepper.ca for more information.

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