Two artists bare body and soul for a provocative theatre experience
Presented by Groundwater Productions in association with Theatre Passe Muraille
Written and performed by Maev Beaty and Erin Shields
Directed by Andrea Donaldson
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Erin Shields and Maev Beaty. Photo by Aviva Armour Ostroff. |
We witnessed the unveiling of a theatrical masterpiece last Tuesday night at the opening of Groundwater Productions‘ remounted production of Montparnasse. The bold, one-of-a-kind play premiered at the 2009 SummerWorks Festival where Andrea Donaldson (director and dramaturge) won the Spotlight Award for Direction. Now back on stage at Theatre Passe Muraille, Montparnasse tells the story of two Canadian women who immerse themselves in the hedonistic world of writers, artists and nude models in 1920s Paris.
Margaret or “Mags” (played by the vivacious Erin Shields) is a fun-loving Toronto ex-pat who discovers she can make decent money posing nude for Parisian artists. She is joined by Amelia (the captivating Maev Beaty), an aspiring painter who comes to Paris looking for inspiration. Soon, the ambitious, social-climbing Mags convinces the conservative Amelia to take some of her modeling jobs so she can collaborate on a project with artist Chaim Soutine. Much to her surprise, Amelia becomes the new muse of the moment and sparks of jealousy fly between them.
Fast-paced and seductive, Montparnasse deals with themes of voyeurism, sexual autonomy, nakedness, identity, ego, cruelty and the “Divine Muse.” Shields and Beaty both give outstanding performances, skillfully portraying several artists of the time, including Henry Miller, Sylvia Beech and James Joyce. The visually stimulating language combined with the 1920s costumes by Jung-Hye Kim and the wonderful lighting design by Andrew Moro bring the sights, smells and sounds of bohemian Paris to life.
Shields and Beaty bare it all on stage — their bodies, hearts and souls. This is an extremely brave performance that deserves every inch of the praise it has received. At once funny, moving and titillating, Montparnasse took my breath away. If only every play was as artistically pleasing as this.
Run to see this show on stage until April 2, 2011 at the Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace — vite! Click here for more information and to buy tickets.
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