Review: MRS. WARREN'S PROFESSION is Sophisticatedly Scandalous

The Shaw Festival brings to life one of George Bernard Shaw's very own MRS. WARREN'S PROFESSION. Directed by Eda Holmes, the production tells the story of a young woman's discovery of her mother's line of work - prostitution, and the events that follow. Led by Nicole Underhay as the title character and Jennifer Szialoszynski as her daughter Vivie, the smart comedy brings this historically taboo play into 2016 with poise and a high level of sophistication.

The original 1893 play was banned from professional theatres in the United Kingdom for almost 30 years because of its subject matter. Still, the New Lyric Club - a gentleman's club privately produced the play for its exclusive audience. This prduction starts with the gentleman of the New Lyric Club, Frank Gardner (Wage Bogert-O'Brien), George Crofts (Thom Marriott) and Praed (Gray Powell) moving around the well-dressed stage and clubhouse. It's not until the men take out their cellphones (to take a selfie) that we realize that aren't in the 1902 - but instead in 2016, still in the New Lyric Club for a staged reading of the production as it was in 1902. It's a smart technique to translate the historically tabooed work into the present - with much of the cast still referencing the audience as members and discussing club policy including smoking and the rights of women. This brought much of the context of the play's original time into the present, and rather than trying to modernize the message of play into our time, transported the audience back to theirs.

It's a complex comedy - not your typical satire or farce, instead a character driven story focused on the relationship between Vivie and Mrs. Warren. Complex in the sense that any of the men mentioned above could be her father - it's a harsh reality that is brought to light with a comedic tone. Without ever mentioning the word "prostitution", Shaw's work is able to delve into the moral taboos and consequences of the profession.

Nicole Underhay is driven and compelling as Mrs. Warren - light and comedic when needed, strong and emotional at others. Gray Powell is also a standout - a Shaw favourite who never fails to embody the character at hand. Together, the cast seemed to gel well, playing off each other to drive the roughly two-and-a-half-hour production. Though, the lengthy runtime does its injustice as the production does drag midway through the second act. The production thankfully comes to a satisfying conclusion to warrant the length.

The gorgeous stage of the Royal George Theatre is richly dressed with dark oak, and large and abundant furniture, creating a dark and masculine setting. It's a stark difference from the theatre's other ongoing production, OUR TOWN which features a very minimalistic set. This level of stage and production design adds a further depth of sophistication and quality to the Shaw Festival.

A unique play - driven and complex, highlighting a taboo subject matter. Although still heavily influenced by Shaw's dated opinion, the modernized approach allows the audience to think of the idea of the profession in their own time.

MRS. WARREN'S PROFESSION is playing as part of the 2016 Shaw Festival at the Royal George Theatre until October 23, 2016. For tickets and more information, visit shawfest.ca.

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