The Waste Land is a lyrical and metaphorical on-stage interpretation of T.S. Eliot’s odd and lovely modernist poem from 1922.
The five parts of The Waste Land are layered with the devastation caused by the First World War. However, like the light and airy silk sheets cleverly used in the play, golden rays of hope penetrate the heavy material by incorporating dance, song, and engaging performance.
As always, the Phoenix Theatre’s ensemble of actors deliver a heartfelt and captivating performance. This is anything but a comedic play like the last couple the theatre has put on—it’s easy to get lost in the dark woods of disillusionment and obscurity that Eliot’s poem is. Still, they help keep the audience on track with their powerful acting throughout the story.
Unless you’re devoted to the works of Eliot, there might be times you get lost in the strange dialogue and story. Despite this, the set made it hard to tear your eyes away from the stage.
For most of the play, the audience was silent with the occasional “ah” of those connecting the play’s material to the poem. However, chuckles echoed from the seats for the several interpretive dance scenes and dips into musical theatre.
A few cheery and entertaining songs brought smiles to the audience and shook some laughter from them. And it came as no surprise that the cast’s singing was just as impressive as their acting.
The use of props, specifically the three long sheets of pale silk hanging from the stage’s ceiling, was beautiful and impactful. The silks were wound around actors, folded on the scene, and billowed from side to side in a stunning performance.
Coloured lights were also used to illuminate the silks, transforming the stage into anything from a war field to the setting of a tragic love story.
The play accomplished its mission of bringing Eliot’s classic poem to life. It offered the story in an alternate medium for lovers of poetry and lovers of plays to enjoy it together. It’s a performance that will stay with you after watching it, having you constantly thinking and deciphering the meaning behind Eliot’s words.
The Waste Land
Various times, until Saturday, February 26
Various prices (student rush tickets $16 30 minutes before show), Phoenix Theatre, UVic
finearts.uvic.ca/theatre/mainstage/