Belleville

Allan Hawco and Christine Horne in Belleville. Photo by Guntar Kravis.

Life takes an unexpected turn for the young American couple in Amy Herzog's Belleville, a suspenseful psychological drama now playing at the Berkeley Street Theatre. The Company Theatre and Canadian Stage co-production features Allan Hawco (Republic of Doyle) as Zack, and Christine Horne (The Stone Angel, Between The Sheets) as his wife Abby, American ex-pats living in the trendy neighbourhood of Belleville, Paris, where they relocated because of Zack's mission to eradicate pediatric AIDS through his work for Doctors Without Borders.

In the opening scene, Abby comes home to find Zack at the apartment watching pornography when he is supposed to be at work. From here, the loving couple unravels before our eyes. Herzog's nail-biting script teases the audience into believing that anything could happen as the duo discovers their marriage is not what they hoped it would be, and we wonder if either can survive the weight of the relationship. Their entitled American dreams are set against the modest lifestyle of Zack's friend and landlord Alioune (Dalmar Abuzeid) and his wife Amina (Marsha Regis), who work hard to provide for their young family, and unwittingly become involved in the marital meltdown.

Director Jason Byrne gets riveting performances out of both leads, with Horne stealing the show as the chronically depressed Abby. Her portrayal of a woman in denial is simply fascinating to watch. Hawco is also outstanding in his ability to maneuvre between emotional extremes, frightening one moment and deeply vulnerable the next.

Featuring haunting lighting design by Kevin Lamotte, and realistic sound design by Richard Feren, this intense 90-minute performance is sure to stay with you long after curtain call.

Belleville runs until May 4 at the Berkeley Street Theatre. Visit canadianstage.com for more information and to buy tickets.

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