Tyland, by Greg MacArthur, is needed. I have not recently enjoyed something as original as this script. It is written with such a great voice for each of its characters. It shows so much strength in its scenes and pacing. The plot is something wonderful and desolate at the same time. MacArthur’s script begs to be staged and become part of our shared Canadian repertoire.

And ATP has done such a wonderful job in gifting it with its first time out. From end to end this production sings. Writing, direction, performance, stage, sound and lights… it is the show to see at playRites.
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Of all the shows at playRites, the reaction to this show was the most polarized. Some viewers were raving by the end of it, and some could not make it through the entire performance. Normally, that’s the sign that something smart and challenging or flawed and insulting is going on. Larry Tremblay’s Abraham Lincoln Goes to the Theatre isn’t quite sure what, if any of those, it is.

It’s a play about confusion to a certain extent. Characters are left running over the same sequences again and again, layering more context each go round, trying to understand the meaning of a man, an image, or wax figure. It’s a performer’s show. There is a badge that each of the ensemble involved should be given for plowing through almost two hours straight barely leaving the stage and barely taking a break.

I enjoyed Abraham Lincoln Goes to the Theatre. But it is confused, and it tries to explain itself to the audience too often, much like the characters are trying to explain themselves to the world.
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“…am I rambling?”
“Eloquently.”

I have to state that the words and images used in this show are beautiful. The writing of the two poets profiled are the standard beautiful words. Specific words are chosen for their emotion and specifics over other words that would have just passed an idea along. There is no doubt that the two are top shelf Victorian poets. There is no doubt that their work is for the ages.

But does that translate well to the stage? Florence Gibson has tried to flesh out the passion and the romance in her new play How Do I Love Thee, which is enjoying its world premiere run at ATP right now.
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