TRUE by Rosa Laborde (Criminal Theatre in association with Aluna). At Citizenry Cafe (982 Queen West). Runs to September 13. $24. criminaltheatre.com. See listings. Rating: NNNNN
Late Shakespearean tragedy meets Alzheimer’s disease and quantum physics in Rosa Laborde’s complex play, quickly remounted in the same site-specific venue it had during its sold-out Fringe run in July.
One night, an older man (Layne Coleman) in pyjamas shuffles into a Queen West cafe carrying a piece of paper that tells whoever finds him who he is. Turns out he’s Roy, and the people at the cafe are his three daughters, Marie (Sabrina Grdevich), Cece (Ingrid Rae Doucet) and Anita (Shannon Taylor), who haven’t seen him in years. Also present is Marie’s husband, Franco (Scott McCord).
Roy’s memories of his daughters come and go, and gradually it becomes clear that he was abusive to them and their dead mother. His reappearance brings back memories for the siblings, who all have different reactions. Whose memories are true?
That’s the potent premise behind the 75-minute drama, a sort of modern-day spin on King Lear (Roy means “roi,” or king in French). Some plot points shouldn’t be spoiled Laborde reveals her characters, their history and dynamics with remarkable skill and grace.
As a director, she gets fine, nuanced work from all her actors, whose interactions feel authentic and rich with subtext. Scenes switch easily between past and present thanks to a few subtle lighting changes.
Laborde also makes excellent use of every inch of Citizenry Cafe – inside and out. And the finale, which hints at alternate universes, adds a touch of forgiveness to a disturbing story.
This is a riveting, moving piece of site-specific theatre that should not be missed.
