Production: The Spirits Play
Company: Traditions and Editions Theatre Circus
Six spirits played by six actors from six countries each speaking in a different language actually doesn't make practical sense since all the characters in the play are supposed to be on the same side of the war in Kuo Pao Kun's landmark The Spirits Play. Rather than argue that it is a symbol of how the play's themes of sacrifice and loss are universal, I prefer to simply enjoy the mythical quality it invests the work with. It also allows the great pleasure of experiencing the fierce power of Themis Lin Pei-Ann (Taiwan), Andy Ng (Hong Kong) and Beto Ruiz (Meixco). Sadly, an overwhelmed Eemien Sia proves to be a weak link - she had difficulty articulating the text convincingly.
Director Kok Heng Luen does a magnificent job of creating the play's world, especially with help from lighting designer Lim Woan Wen, costume designer Anthony Tan and music composers Vivian Wang and Leslie Low. This is a work of great majesty and infinite heartache - but Kok handles the comedic moments deftly as well. In the last third of the play, Spirits begins to spin its wheels but Kuo's and Kok's evocative theatrical vision remains an irresistible force to the end.
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