“Here’s where the magic doesn’t happen . . . “ – Claire
Literature and trauma sits as one of the hottest subjects in art. Representations of the Holocaust, responses to 9/11 and post-traumatic stress find their way into today’s artistic discourse. One of the challenges is: how does one explore trauma, without recreating it artistically?
Hannah Moscovitch – who, one can safely say, is among Canada’s best living playwrights – finds a way in her extraordinary one-act play, Little One. A small fugue, Moscovitch’s play counterpoints the trauma of two different families, exploring in a familial setting larger issues of abuse and survival. At turns funny and poignant, shocking and sad, Little One is a necessary play.
Joe Cobden as “Aaron” displays a lovely, gentle touch as the adopted brother of Michelle Monteith’s “Claire” – a deeply troubled young woman, and a survivor of sexual trauma. Monteith achieves the difficult task of rendering a scarred character, who acts out in violent ways, with sympathy and humour. Lily Ling, the piece’s Musical Director and Composer, squats stage right at a poorly-tuned child’s piano, a cross between Schroeder from Peanuts and the long-haired girl from The Ring.
Like a waking nightmare, Little One offers audiences the chance to wrestle with any demons of oppression they carry within.
Review by Brent Schaus
arts@Mondaymag.com
Little One runs at the Belfry Theatre until March 23
Tickets are $20 (+ tax); discounts are available for all performances for Seniors (10% off, age 65 +), Post-Secondary Students (25% off) and High School Students (50% off) — valid ID required to receive discounted price. Tickets are available at belfry.bc.ca or 250-385-6815