By Carissa Shale
Nicola Gunn’s Apologia is an ambitious and multifaceted production that delves into themes of identity, grief, and personal history. The production explores Gunn’s fantasy of becoming a French actress—despite not being French or even speaking French, which are somewhat necessary for the role.
Structured into four distinct segments, the production opens with Gunn on stage alongside ‘Séverine Magois,’ a French translator represented by a simple audio speaker. This speaker, notably smoking a vape, highlights the innovative and creative stagecraft integral to the production. Gunn’s performance is commendable; her lines are well-rehearsed and delivered with impeccable timing, demonstrating her skill and dedication. She interacts seamlessly with the prerecorded voiceover, and the interplay between fantasy and reality becomes increasingly blurred as they discuss her complicated relationship with her mother.
The second segment features a Japanese couple, played by Yumi Umiumare and Taka Takiguchi, marveling at the newly reconstructed Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Initially, the relevance of this scene to the overall production is unclear, but its underlying themes gradually emerge as the couple discusses the cost of replicating the past. Although abstract, this scene offers a thought-provoking exploration of the production’s themes and encourages the audience to seek connections.
The telephone scene stands out with its moody, luminescent atmosphere, creating a dreamlike quality that blurs the line between reality and fantasy. Minimalistic lighting and stagecraft enhance the cinematic feel of this sequence, providing a welcome reprieve from the chaos of the earlier scenes. This sequence serves as the highlight of the show and the final piece of the narrative puzzle, helping the audience make sense of the protagonist’s turmoil.
The production concludes with a performance theatre segment where the cast uses large circular disks and light projections to create kaleidoscopic visuals reminiscent of childhood shadow puppets. While visually engaging, this scene extends for too long, diminishing its impact and artistic power by the end.
Apologia employs a range of creative techniques to push the boundaries of art. Although its surrealism and absurdity may not appeal to everyone, it undoubtedly provokes thought. Overall, Apologia is a thought-provoking work with moments of brilliance, but also areas that may not fully engage all audiences.
Image:Gregory Lorenzutti
