Review: YOU WILL REMEMBER ME is Worth Remembering

Is it okay to give up on someone you love?

Bobby Theodore's translation of the emotionally-driven François Archambault play, YOU WILL REMEMBER ME is now playing the Tarragon Theatre, in co-production with Studio 180 Theatre. Directed by Joel Greenberg, the stage drama follows the journey of a family dealing with the effects of dementia. Edouard, played by R.H. Thomson is a university professor whose ongoing struggle with the illness has a lasting impact on his family. Nancy Palk, Kimwun Perehinec, Mark McGrinder and Michela Cannon complete the ensemble cast of this moving drama.

Frustrated wife Madeline (Palk) entrusts her overworked journalist daughter Isabelle (Perehinec) to take care of Edouard. Isabelle who cannot commit the time to care for her ailing father, is forced to leave him with her washed-up partner Patrick (McGrinder) who eventually passes the duty off to his less-than-willing daughter Berenice (Cannon). This messy modern family highlights the frustrations of a family dealing with someone with dementia. Often overlooked are the impact that the illness has on the rest of the family.

Achambault's narrative shines in this authentic and imperfect illustration of how a family deals with dementia. When is it okay to let go? Is it okay to give up on someone you love? Do you have the right to be frustrated too? Who is at fault? The sinking reality of these questions lead the audience into an emotional mindset to answer these questions. The story is moving; especially Eduoard's eventual interaction with Berenice. Their ongoing conversations brings to life a haunting secret of his past through their unconventional bond.

YOU WILL REMEMBER ME raises a unique discussion on dementia, set against the backdrop of parallels in the digital and political world. This Quebec drama draws many political references that seemed to have been lost in translation; definitely for some of the audience who were unfamiliar with the thematic undertones being discussed.

While the play is full of emotion, it misses the opportunity to really delve deeper. In some ways, it felt that the play only skimmed the surface of this heartbreaking narrative. Be it the overacting of Perehinec or Cannon, whose overtly forceful performances felt too strong against the subtle beauty from material and the other cast. In some instances, Perehinec's aggressive passion shined; notably in the gutting argument between her and her mother, but for the majority of the play resulted in a lack of genuineness.

The true stars of the show, and rightfully so are R.H. Thomson and Nancy Palk whose portrayals of a troubled couple painfully in love are inspiring. Their subtle, yet powerful acting adds a much needed level of authenticity to the piece and deserves to be scene. Nancy Palk commanded the stage with authority and was heartbreakingly good - the play was at its best when she on stage.

While not perfect, WILL YOU REMEMBER ME still brings to light emotional themes worth seeing. The simple set, great lighting and smooth transitions between scenes make it another high-quality production. Thomson and Palk's performance outweigh the minor setbacks from the rest of the cast to create a remarkable piece of theatre.

YOU WILL REMEMBER ME is playing at the Tarragon Theatre Mainspace until April 10. For tickets or more information visit tarragontheatre.com.

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