In the age of Netflix and other movie streaming services, the theatre doesn’t seem to be getting the level of attention it deserves. In the face of that, White Rooster Theatre’s “Hunger” is a play that is worth the ride to the theatre for a time that is bound to be well-spent.
Written by Meghan Greeley and directed by Michael Waller, Hunger is set in an isolated farmhouse during a time of ethnic cleansing. An unconventional, brave and surprisingly practical couple hide a group of prosecuted people behind the walls in small and inconvenient spaces of their home. As the war rages on, with loud and deafening constant reminders, hunger pushes both the protected and the protectors to the limits of reason, endurance and rationality. Right before the end of the war, ‘good people’ are forced to do ‘savage’ things to stay alive.
The delivery of the lines and the adeptness of the actors brought the story to life; such that I was moved to tears a few times. The couple, Max played by Greg Malone and Johanna played by Deidre Gillard Rowlings, were depicting of modern everyday people, living seemingly normal lives now interrupted by a war they didn’t necessarily agree with. Max, the patriarch, provider and enforcer of laid-down rules and the voice of ‘reason’ was strong yet subtly agreeable. Johanna, the calm, perhaps slightly troubled matriarch who hid behind table when scared, was a typical wife in those times. She had her own silent rebellion going on as shown by her listening to the radio despite its prohibition, while trying to only listen for a set time. Johanna is also firm when at her wits, rising to the occasion to apportion due blame and mete out appropriate sanctions in Max’s absence. The guests Rivka, played by Meghan Greeley, and Isak, played by Santiago Guzman, were phenomenal in their portrayal of the persecuted yet self-respecting people. Their despair, gratitude, and slightly concealed pride were evident in their conduct. Finally, was the spoilt and princess-like Helen played by Nina John. Helen was the poster girl for privilege and obliviousness to reality. She showed the sort of detachment from reality that comes with a certain kind of wealth. Eventually, Helen is forced to face up to reality, especially after the death of her father, and the removal of her wealth-induced clout. Having enjoyed certain levels of comfort in comparison to the other guest, she has to make an unexpectedly big sacrifice as hunger looms – the loss of an arm.
Overall, Hunger is a must see for everyone. It gives a glimpse of the sort of suffering and pain currently suffered in war-torn areas across the globe. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give “Hunger” an 8.5/10. The only reservations for me were a few questions raised by Johanna’s character – her refusal to give in to her husband’s overtures and her initial, rather interesting, fondness for Helen.
Hunger tour dates are as follows:
May 1st: Trinity, Rising Tide Theatre
May 3rd: Corner Brook, Arts and Culture centre
May 5th: Gander, Joseph R. Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre
May7th: Grand Falls- Windsor, Gordon Pinsent Centre for the Arts
May 11: LSPU Hall, St. Johns’
Tickets can be bought on
www.artsandculturecentre.com
and at local box offices.
White Rooster Theatre can be contacted via
whiteroostertheatre@rocketmail.com
