Toronto Review: 'Between Breaths' at Factory Theatre
Joe Szekeres, Chief Toronto Critic
When a play took my breath away and gave me goosebumps mere minutes into the opening night performance, I knew I was in for something special.
Robert Chafe’s ‘Between Breaths’ is that one unique production which left a profound impact on me. I try not to lead a standing ovation at the end, but I didn’t care. This formidable company of three riveting performances, combined with moving original music by The Once and Jillian Keiley’s sensitive direction, still resonates within me even one day after.
‘Between Breaths’ is the fascinating and true story of Jon Lien – also known as the Whale Man – that deals with his life and his sometimes dangerous, death defying work of saving whales trapped in fishing nets off the coast of Newfoundland. We learn that Lien saved over 500 whales and earned tremendous respect, not only from the local fishermen but also from other areas of the world intent on saving and rescuing whales.
There is also a humane element to the story that brought me to tears. Mr. Chafe’s script is a memory play where we see Jon Lien’s fight at the end of his life as dementia progressively ravaged his body and mind. This component of the script is extremely moving for me as I believe all of us will somehow be affected by dementia in one way or another whether through ourselves, or family members and friends.
Shawn Kerwin’s set design caught my eye quickly as I sat down and studied the stage. It is a semi-circular pattern with part of the playing area slightly elevated. Under the raised portion of the stage appears fishing net. The rest of the stage contains chairs for members of The Once, chairs for the performers, a walker and wheelchair. A large semi-circular lighting fixture hangs over the stage which Leigh Ann Vardy uses with haunting effects to heighten the tension and passion of certain moments.
About five minutes before the production began, I thought I heard whale calls in the soundscape. Just before the performance began, that sound of the whale intensified as the performers and musicians silently entered, circled the stage and took their places.
Mr. Chafe’s script is pure, lyrical narration in storytelling. It begins in watching stunning work by Steve O’Connell as Jon Lien. Oh my Lord!
To say I was gob smacked would be an understatement. Mr. O’Connell naturally just became Jon Lien. He believably threw himself into the moment of full onset of dementia at the top of the show with every inch of his torn body and contorted facial features. As Jon’s devoted loyal wife and companion, Judy, Berni Stapleton’s initial conversation at the top of the show with her husband was stellar. Here is a woman who has watched her husband slowly deteriorate before her eyes. Yet every word, every movement, every eye contact Ms. Stapleton gave in the first ten minutes as she sat with her husband innately resonated with unconditional love until death will part them one day. Truly wonderful to behold at the top of the show.
What is also fascinating about this memory play is going back earlier into the story where we learn about Jon Lien and his family. Here we see a husband and wife who are feisty with each other and firm with each other as they begin their lives together. Jon speaks about Judy as being the prettiest girl he ever saw at school, and Ms. Stapleton quickly throws a coquettish smirk back at him. Again remarkably believable performances using the most simple of props to find. We also learn how this horrible disease of dementia came for Jon. I don’t want to spoil that element for future audiences as it is heartbreaking.
As trusted friend and confidant, Wayne, Darryl Hopkins just oozed that east coast demeanor about himself. I especially liked his incorporation of the Newfoundland dialect and way of speaking. Mr. Hopkins is gruff, rough and at times hardened as he has had to learn how to survive as a fisherman. But in those moments where he sits with the wheelchair bound John, Hopkins reveals a tenderness and respect for his friend that again yanked at my heart.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the use of music throughout the production. With musical direction by Kellie Walsh and original composition by The Once, the soulful and stirring use of ethereal humming combined with plaintive strumming of the guitar heightened even further the emotional intensity.
FINAL COMMENTS: ‘Between Breaths’ is an extraordinary celebration of not only the life of Jon Lien but also those who had felt his influence.
A truly remarkable production of depth. A must see.
BETWEEN BREATHS
‘Between Breaths’ continues to December 8 at Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street, Toronto. For further information, visit www.factorytheatre.com or call 1-416-504-9971.
Production runs approximately one hour and twenty minutes with no intermission.
Produced in association with Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland
Playwright: Robert Chafe; Director: Jillian Keiley; Original Music Composed & Arranged by The Once; Musical Direction by Kellie Walsh; Dramaturgy: Iris Turcott; Lighting Design: Leigh Ann Vardy; Set & Costume Design: Shawn Kerwin; Sound Design & Technical Director: Brian Kenny; Stage Manager: Mara Bredovskis; Managing Producer: Patrick Foran
Performers: Jon: Steve O’Connell Judy: Berni Stapleton Wayne: Darryl Hopkins
Photo of l-r: Darryl Hopkins and Steve O’Connell by Joseph Michael Photography.