Review: 'acts of faith' at Factory Theatre

Wow!

Okay, this is one of those moments where I am going to have to inhale deeply, hold, exhale slowly, and take a leap of faith before I begin to comment further on this sometimes difficult journey of spirituality, religion and belief in this world premiere one act play by David Yee.

The title of the play is printed in small letters and that was an initial hesitation on my part as I wanted to correct the spelling.  But David Yee has written it like this for a specific reason to heighten the fact that something is not right within an understanding of faith. Additionally, for those who hold a strong Christian faith and belief, yes, the story’s action and events in ‘acts of faith’ are mighty difficult to hear and comprehend at certain moments.  I am one of those who holds a belief in the Catholic/Christian faith, and I will admit that I found it challenging because I kept wondering if this story was going to be another attack on the Christian faith and those who choose to embrace it?

Far from it.

If anything this, at times, harrowing 75 minute monologue which the press release calls “part passion narrative, part modern retelling of David and Goliath…”, for me became a moment to cling firmly to the tenets of Christianity especially in the final moments of the story (where I choose to believe) what Faith accomplished was indeed a miraculous feat which does not require any kind of personal explanation. 

‘acts of faith’ by no means does not become any kind of personal attack of Christianity and Catholicism. Instead, for me, it is a story of a woman who chooses to use her ‘gift’ (no spoiler alert here) to right an atrocity which she knows she must do.

David Yee’s story did capture my attention. We meet Faith (Natasha Mumba) who is mistaken for a prophet. According to the press release: “When a revered religious leader attempts to take advantage of [Faith’s] plight, she begins using her ‘gift’ to right wrongs and punish the wicked. As her spiritual notoriety grows, her own faith gradually erodes, driving her away from her home and the church in a quest for justice.”

Under a carefully watchful vision by director Nina Lee Aquino, Natasha Mumba’s Faith offers an extraordinary performance of passion, dignity, and perseverance all while remaining in complete control of her visceral emotions at all times. Ms. Mumba’s movements around the set are seamless and fluid with a natural purpose and reason for that movement whether she is sitting (or standing) on her bed, by the back wall or sitting at her desk and chair which quietly and thankfully moved out of the way by what I’m assuming was a conveyor belt.

Joanne Yu’s diagonal set design sharply encompassed the playing area and spaces.  There is a trunk in front of a bed centre stage with a night table and lamp to the right of the bed.  I loved the placement of the four windows with shades. Without the shades, these windows appeared as if they could be in a church.  On the diagonal wall at the back of the set, what appeared to be a small wooden crucifix was slightly crooked. It was an effective use of a tiny prop to remind us that all is not well with Faith regarding her faith and spirituality. And yet, I was pleasantly surprised to see what Ms. Mumba does in one of quick set changes regarding that tiny crucifix.  Michelle Ramsay’s lighting design clearly accentuated the various spaces. I especially liked the lighting effects through the windows.

Final comments: The strength of this world premiere of ‘acts of faith’ is watching a gifted performer like Natasha Mumba attack this story and its themes with gusto and verve. Ms. Mumba’s work is beguiling and entrancing to view.  A solid artistic performance of clarity and depth.

In this time of not being able to gather for story telling, I applaud Factory Theatre for bringing the story to us gratis. Go to www.factorytheatre.ca and book your tickets right there for the next six live performances. Yes, even though all shows are streamed, artist Natasha Mumba will perform live for all remaining performances of ‘acts of faith’.

Photo of Natasha Mumba by Dahlia Katz.

‘acts of faith’ runs November 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 at 7:30 pm.

Playwright: David Yee; Director: Nina Lee Aquino; Stage Manager: Kai-Yueh Chen; Dramaturge: Matt McGeachy; Costume Design: Joanne Yu; Assistant Director: Nadeem Philip;