Review: "At the Beginning of Time" presented by Montreal, Quebec's Centaur Theatre

‘At the Beginning of Time’ is a new work by Steve Galluccio (well known for the popular ‘Mambo Italiano.’)  From Centaur Theatre Montreal, under the aptly named new banner New Work at Centaur, this is a live streamed reading – meaning a work in progress.  We are asked to “employ your imagination” from the introduction as it is truly a bare bones reading from four actors lined up behind music stands.  Sans all the production value, the unadorned lines were lively and the characters colourful and fully revealed.

Hospitalized with a minor infection, Michael interacts with two long term friends who visit him in his room.  Their conversations include comical bluster, keen wit and sad introspection – all hallmarks of Gallucio’s skill.  The three characters banter about family schisms over their homosexuality, the context of relationships and the gruesome ache of loss.  These conversations are over-arched by the weight of Michael’s partner who has fully descended into dementia. 

All three main characters either bemoan or delight in their Italian, working class upbringing using accents that range from Rockyesque to Joe Pesci.  Hands and fingers flying, it was difficult to regret the stereotypes as we are entertained by particularly ribald jokes about getting head from a cross-eyed girl and other unfiltered discussions of sexual conquests.  This production will not be a destination for a grade six class!  Lou, played by Tony Calabretta, is the loudest and most colourful, perhaps because he has swaggered through life without any meaningful relationship.  His bluster begins to dampen as he recognizes his ultimately lonely world.

Pat, played by Davide Chiazzese, contrasts with Lou in that he has known a truly deep and purposeful relationship.  His language, as vulgar as Lou, becomes more temperate as he reveals the horrible loss of his partner from pancreatic cancer.  Michael, Andreas Apergis, is the more halcyon of the group – more reflective and subtle in his pain over his partner’s condition.  The three actors intricately build their anger for each other’s decisions about how to move forward with tortured lives.  Pat uncharacteristically bursts out at Michael’s attempt to launch a new relationship.  Lou is scrutinized for his breezy relationships as they all try to define the term pansexual.  The self proclaimed “pity party” continues as Pat feels scalded by criticism of his inability to move on from tragedy.

A fourth character, nurse Nella, played admirably by Felicia Shulman is equal to the task of keeping up with the working class banter.  Almost a Greek chorus, Nella is a life line to hope as she offers sympathy with a touch of humour and pragmatism. 

The slashing of humour through the horrors of loss is most remarkable.  One highlight is the funny and pathetic story of a group of inexperienced travellers who applaud upon the plane’s routine landing.  The stereotype of music from The Village People or Blondie is tempered by well-timed comic memories of the hip-shuffling friends.

How does one move forward from tragedy?  The phrase ‘At the Beginning of Time’  is defined by each character in different ways.  Does the beginning start with loss and even death – or does it begin with a resolute decision to move forward?  Even as a simple reading, Galluccio’s words and characters live – good news as we anticipate a more fulsome production in the future.

‘At the Beginning of Time’ by Steve Galluccio

Live streamed by Centaur Theatre Montreal – October 21, 2020.

Performers:  Andreas Apergis, Davide Chiazzese, Tony Calabretta, Felicia Shulman

Director:  Jackie Maxwell