CANDIDE

Have you ever experienced transcendent theatre? It's rare. I'm not surprised that theatre is not part of our culture. I'm a "theatre person" and I often dread going to see a play. I expect theatre to talk into culture, comment on the state of our community, and be entertaining to boot. When it's not, I'd rather be watching a movie at home, or having a good conversation with the people around me. Theatre is too expensive and too much of a hassle for just entertainment value to suffice. 

Last weekend I attended two plays. The first made me want to quit my whole involvement in theatre. It was entertaining, sure, but I had no other reaction. It didn't mean anything. I wasn't moved. I wasn't even moved to hate the show! I'd rather hate it than be neutral! Attending it was too darn mentally easy. This show was at a big, fancy, regional theatre. It had a big, fancy cast with Broadway and television stars. And it said nothing. 

I was dreading the second show of the weekend. If it had been as deadly and empty as the Friday night production, I would have been rather down-trodden heading into rehearsal on Monday. But, PRAISE GOD, it was incredible. Moving, hilarious, creative theatre. What a relief. What a relief to see actors believe in what they're doing, to see thoughtful direction and a cohesive, ingenious set. What a relief to take part in live theatre. 

I won't tell you what the first show was, but I'll rave-rave-rave about the second. It was Candide at the Huntington Theatre, directed by Mary Zimmerman. [Thank you Mary Zimmerman. Your work is a breath of fresh air.] It tells the story of Candide, an optimist to the most farcical extremes. Despite expulsion, war, hunger, and injustice, Candide persists in believing that "all works together for good." Finally, in a poignant, my-face-is-twitching-because-I'm-holding-back-sobs moment, Candide realizes he has put off making decisions and lifting a finger to help others. He has absconded responsibility through a philosophy of mindless optimism. The story is timeless- the novella by the same name was written in 1759 by Voltaire. The adaptation and staging were incredible. The set looked like an Escher painting. The prop use of toy ships, toy soldiers, and building blocks was brilliant. I have never seen such storytelling on stage. The acting? Bah! I can't articulate how much I loved this show.

Here's how I'll sum it up- I'm going again this weekend, and I can't wait. I love transcendent, transformative theatre. There's nothing like it.

[photo credit: here]