I Saw The Devil

Title 66 Productions

I stole that title from a movie cuz the Devil stole my heart. I don’t know where to begin but… WOW!

I was amazed and taking back by the level of performance, professionalism and story telling in this play. I have performed in plays in the past so I know what it takes to change from scene to scene seemlessly, the hard work it takes to keep your audience attentive and leave them in awe and the dedication to your craft. These 8 amazing actors were able to do so.

Photo Credit: Julia Milz
www.juliamilz.com

Right from the beginning, I was drawn in by the simple decor of white boxes and and yellow string. The simple use of black and white was so stunning, as easy as separating the “good” and the “evil”. The use of shadows, the colour yellow, music and sound effects being used at the right time and no overkill either of the same effect. I’ve never seen such a play. First off, it was fucking hilarious. Better than a blockbuster movie. It had violence, comedy, cursing and sex. What more can you ask for?

The story of the History of the Devil is simple. Through fantastic scenes and using lights and spots so precisely, the cast tells the tale of how the Devil has been hurt, betrayed and left behind. How in so many ways, the Devil isn’t that much different from us. The message is a strong one being that we, man, have created the Devil so that we may blame our evil deeds on. So that we may justify all the evil doings in life, pedophiles, murderers, rapists… We blame it on evil, therefor the devil. But it is we who are evil. The Devil, like God, may only whisper in our ear, or point us in a direction but it is us who walk the line, no one else. Some of the most crudest and medieval tortures do not come from the Devil, they come from man. What an unbelievable and powerful  play.

Photo Credit: Julia Milz
www.juliamilz.com

Coming out of the middle of the room, out of smoke and into bright light is the Devil, played by Lucas Chartier Dessert. The trial of the Devil takes place in Africa, which is laughable in so many ways it hurts. Pun totally intended. His lawyer, played by Kyle Mcilhone, was a bubbling simple man, trying the defend Lucifer. The prosecution, played by Liana Montoro and Arielle Palik,  who are set on bringing him down and a judge who likes his peppermints and his lost assistant, played by Lily MacLean. What a great combo.

Photo Credit: Julia Milz
www.juliamilz.com

The masks. Oh my god the masks are incredible. Being 8 actors performing 34 roles, it can be difficult to separate faces and characters, even with talented acting. Not in this play. These masks built by Danielle Fagen and assistant Josh Cape, where extraordinary. They gave each character the attitude and feel it needed. So intricately made and once again, the color patterns on them bringing out the emotion of the scene and the personality of the personage. Totally blew my mind. Seeing an actor change before your eyes was unbelievable. From putting on a pants or taking off a jacket, characters changed from one end to the other. Delphine DiTecco‘s and James Harrington‘s performance as Verrier and Belial was magnificent. I totally see the Devil’s minions being just like that. From costume to body language. Simply Beautiful.

One of my favorite scenes was with Jesus, played by set and costume designer Logan Williams. Jesus, the son of God was portrayed as this flamboyant, eccentric, if you ask me gay, hilarious character. Jesus who is always seen as this humble carpenter, is now seen in a new light. Even he gives into evil to make his death that much more extravagant. I laughed so much during that scene, I thought I was watching stand-up comedy. (Yeah the loud-I -don’t-care-laugh…that was all me)

In the end, well you will have to see it for yourself!

I tip my hat to Title 66 Productions who have really made art come alive. I was already sold on this play because it was written by Clive Barker but now I want to see it again because of the cast and crew. Exceptional job, stunning visual art, unbelievable acting skills and a fantastic team behind the scenes.

BRAVO!!!

You still have 2 chances to catch this amazing play tonight and tomorrow at La 5ieme Salle at Place Des Arts, 175 St-Catherine West. Starts at 8pm and tickets are 25$ tax in. Which is a steal at that price. Buy them right now!

Remember, there is good in all of us…but so is evil.