Soul Sink - Review

In many ways it is more difficult to write a bad review that a good one. But in the case of Birdland Theatre's SoulSeek it is also unavoidable. The show, on now at the Walmer Centre until October 23, is painful to watch. SoulSeek, seems promising with Its focus on the themes of love, death and grief, but trying to cipher through the overblown language, bad acting, and bizarre staging means all of the potential meaning is lost.

Vita (Zorana Kidd) is in a coma, following an attempted suicide, brought on by her husband's death. But rather than the peaceful slumber of the near dead, Vita is being dragged around the underworld by her guide Morpheus (Andre Sills.) She is searching in vain for Terry, her husband. Terry, (David Ferry) is perhaps the only interesting thing about SoulSeek. Mr Ferry, of Blasted fame, appears onstage in video form in several sequences, but is never physically in the show. It can not be a good sign when the only compelling scenes involve an actor who isn't actually in the play.

Andre Sills as Morpheus is fun to watch. He has great energy, but his constant fumbling over lines makes it difficult to form a strong attachment to his character. Not that he can be solely blamed. His lines are so overbearing that even the most accomplished classical actor would have trouble with them. As for Ms. Kidd, watching her is akin to arriving at the party already in full swing. Vita's ramblings are so disconnected and bizarre you can only wonder if you missed the acid hits they must have handed out at the door. I often found myself wondering if it was just me who wasn't getting it, but the more I watched the more I realized SoulSeek isn't a metaphor It's a mess.

There are some redeeming things about SoulSeek. The use of video is very effective and works well. And Camellia Koo's set is visually interesting, particularly the hanging crosses on the back wall. Unfortunately it is not a religious story, so again, the set leaves you confused. Ultimately, SoulSeek should leave you feeling cathartic about love and loss, but instead makes you wish you too were in a coma. At least then, you might have been spared. We hate to deter theatre goers from seeing shows, but given how many great productions we have seen this fall, we'd say SoulSeek is one to miss.

Ticket information is available by clicking the header.