Andrew Dale as Dennis by Denise Clarke
Fear of Flight
By Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland
Created by Jillian Keiley, Robert Chafe, Jonathan Monro
Directed by Jillian Keiley
Presented by Factory Theatre
Produced by Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland in association with Die in Debt and Cahoots Theatre Projects
Factory’s Performance Spring Festival runs at Factory Theatre until May 24
By Matt McGeachy
A unique Toronto premiere featuring monologues from some of Canada’s top playwrights including Daniel MacIvor and Judith Thompson, Fear of Flight is a montage of scenes about 14 passengers on an anonymous flight across Canada. The combination of fine writing, talented actors, and a phenomenal a cappella score by co-collaborator Jonathan Monro makes for an entertaining evening at one of the most important theatres in Canada.
The interlocking series of monologues from passengers on the flight, all of whom are confronting some fear or another and clad in shades of white, grey, and taupe (kudos to costume designer Carol Nelson), is strongest when it addresses the mundane ritual of un-natural air travel – something that most of us take for granted in our highly connected society. The opening scene, a beautifully choreographed affair, is the pre-flight safety dance: flight attendants (called “steward” and “stewardess” in the programme, and played by Andrew Dale and Rebecca Russell, respectively) going through the motions of loss of pressure and flotation devices beneath our seats, was visually wonderful and drew laughs from the knowing audience.
Of particular note from this talented ensemble were Petrina Bromely’s “Bride,” who morbidly had her wedding, reception, and honeymoon even after her husband died; Christine Brubaker’s bitter woman on the way to her sister’s wedding (weddings and marriage must be on the mind of Canadian authors this season); Philip Goodridge’s obsessive, Valium-popping, depressed gay man; Mia Mansfield, whose character believes she has met and befriended Jesus; and Sandy Gow’s “Blandy,” a 13-year-old girl from an abusive family.
The a cappella score from Monro was impressive, and the cast constantly changed themes depending on who was speaking. The simple set worked beautifully, and the tech was impressive: subtle sound and luminous lighting enhanced this impressive ensemble’s performance and really became part of the show itself.
This otherwise impressive show was a bit tiresome when it tried to venture too far from the comedy of modern plane travel; the moralist monologues of “Sin,” played by Brad Hodder, wore thin and did not compare to the comedic bits.
Fear of Flight is an impressive and enjoyable affair from some of Canada’s finest playwrights, and some of its excellent actors. For those who thought Newfoundland didn’t have much to offer, I challenge you to take a plane out to see this show. You won’t regret it.
Why would you make a comment about “for those who thought Newfoundland didn’t have much to offer”? Who thought that? Newfoundland and Labrador have a theatrical and musical tradition which is to be envied by the rest of the country.