Toronto Review: 'The Ghost Project' at The Theatre Centre
David Rabjohn, Associate Toronto Critic
The time worn question of what comes after life will forever be the subject of debate, stories, philosophy and even war. The peripheral question is whether a contact with the afterlife can be made – famously punctuated by none other than Houdini. The Ghost Project, a one person show created and performed by Karie Richards, offers the insight of thirteen characters each with a tale connected to these questions. Playing this month at The Theatre Centre in Toronto, the performance winds its way into the darkness of these ethereal sightings, but some lack of depth prevents any substantive mining of these ghostly topics.
It is understood that this was meant to be a documentary style that describes real life experiences from a disparate group of real people. Clanking Jacob Marley chains or cartoonish Caspars were not meant to be part of this serious dialogue about our relationship with the afterlife. Some of the characters were endearing and heartbreaking. A little girl with leukemia was particularly poignant. An obsession with salt and worrisome blood pressure punctuated the emotive story of a grandfather. However, many of the stories fell flat. Some were either repetitive in their nature, or lacking in depth in their telling. A solid plot twist to give us a real “ah ha” moment was missing. Also missing was some thread from tale to tale to help focus the conversation. A connection about message or communicative method might deepen the insight.
Ms. Richards is a talented writer and performer having recent success with another one person show Birdy and performing in Global’s new television hit Nurses. As mentioned, a number of her characters had charm and emotion, but many of the characters seemed stagnant. Part of this would be that not enough distinction between characters flattened the performance. A simple new cap or colourful sweater was not enough to define a new story. Full disclosure at the beginning about being a “detail” person was a delight, but that first character’s disarming smile and nervous excitement bled its way into too many of the other personalities. Later in the performance, some variation in voice and pace facilitated better character distinction.
The economic set was subtle, but it had just the right touch of “haunt” to create the mood. The shadowy windows of a wardrobe reflected a spectral feel. Designer Glenn Davidson added a downward angled window that provocatively focused on the main acting space. Also supportive was John Sheard’s musical score mostly from a lone piano. It was not so ghostly as it was refined – it added some decorum and elegance. Davidson’s lighting design offered some fresh changes in scenes, but better use of the larger space by actors and designers both, would have amplified the visual.
The Ghost Project offered some charming stories, and some concluding remarks made an effort at confronting “the essence of presence.” Having said that, an opportunity was missed to profoundly plunge into a topic that by its nature is taxing and exciting. Signs from beyond will forever be a human quest.
The Ghost Project by Karie Richards. Produced by Unit 5 Theatre Collective.
Cast: Karie Richards
Production Team: Jeff Culbert – Original Director, Glenn Davidson – Production Design, John Sheard – Musical Direction.
Production runs through January 26, 2020 at The Theatre Centre, Toronto.
Tickets: theatrecentre.org.