Ruined

Lynn Nottage’s devastating play is a life-changing theatrical experience

Written by Lynn Nottage
Directed by Philip Akin

Sabryn Rock, Yanna McIntosh and Sophia Walker in Ruined. Photo credit: Chris Gallow.

Presented by Obsidian Theatre in association with Nightwood Theatre, Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play is an eye-opening piece that resonates with audiences long after the curtain call.

Set in a small mining village in the civil war-torn Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ruined tells the story of Mama Nadi, a brothel madam who both protects and profits from the women who work for her. Sophie (Sabryn Rock) and Salima (Sophia Walker) arrive on her doorstep after being kidnapped and mercilessly raped by soldiers. They are escorted by Sophie’s uncle Christian (Sterling Jarvis), a local salesman and friend to Mama Nadi (Yanna McIntosh).

Christian begs Mama to take Sophie in despite of her physical state (she is a “broken” woman). Mama agrees on the condition that Sophie, an intelligent girl with a beautiful singing voice, employs herself by performing, cleaning and counting money. We follow Mama, Sophie and the other characters in Ruined as they fight to survive in a perilous world of unimaginable poverty and violence.

Obsidian’s production is both visually and musically stunning. The lighting design by Rebecca Picherack is very effective, and Gillian Gallow’s colourful set design makes great use of the downstairs space in Berkeley Theatre. At the same time, Chris Stanton’s soulful sound design transports us to the heart of the Congo using rhythmic drum beats, tuneful guitar riffs and distant machine gun fire.

All of the cast give first-rate performances. McIntosh carries the show as the proud and stubborn Mama Nadi. She completely embodies the role of the tough-skinned business woman with a vulnerable side. And Jarvis is wonderful as her counterpart Christian. His touching portrayal of the only honest and decent man in Mama Nadi’s world reminds us that love and kindness can withstand even the worst kinds of evil.

Yanna McIntosh and Sterling Jarvis in Ruined. Photo credit: Chris Gallow.

On top of these powerful performances, Marci T. House sizzles as the sassy head lady of the house, Josephine. While Rock’s portrayal of the fragile but incredibly tenacious Sophie will move you to tears. Also compelling is Salima’s character, played by the talented Walker. The part where she recalls the details of the day she was stolen away from her family is one of the play’s most affecting scenes.

It’s often hard to watch when the savage militia men enter Mama’s place. The male actors are frighteningly good at portraying these inhuman villains. The way they demean and devalue women is infuriating and it’s shocking to think that rape is an accepted act in Congolese society. Thankfully, despite the overwhelming nature of the subject matter, Nottage’s script occasionally breaks the tension with refreshingly light humour.

Ruined is ultimately a hopeful play that pays homage to the courageous real-life women who are experiencing the horrors of war and sexual violence everyday. After the show there was a talk-back session with a few of the actors. Marc Senior, who plays Salima’s husband Fortune, said the play has made him realize how lucky we are to have our privileged Canadian mindset.

We are grateful to Obsidian and Nightwood Theatre for bringing this important piece to Toronto. The company has launched a year-long fundraiser with the goal of raising $5000 or more for the Fistula Foundation/Panzi Hospital in the Congo.

The organization provides specialized reconstructive surgery for women who have been victims of sexual violence or have had obstructed unrelieved labour as a result of the civil war. A full surgery including recovery treatment is $450, so it is their hope that they can provide treatment for 10 women. For more information and to make a donation visit: www.fistulafoundation.org.

Don’t miss the Toronto premiere of this momentous production on stage now until February 12, 2011 at the Berkeley Theatre. Click here to buy tickets. And check out Obsidian’s study guide.

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