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Review of Theatre Orangeville’s latest production: The Bluff

March 23, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By Constance Scrafield

The Bluff is a fun romp in the theatre with an ending that keeps shifting blame to the last drop. The story holds the characters in suspense with a steady stream of surprises and jolts they suffer all the way through. This testing of character(s) is running now at Theatre Orangeville until Apr. 2.

The set on stage is fabulous with its tall walls and staircase, entirely true to the timing of its construction decades before the story begins. Beckie Morris, Theatre Orangeville’s production manager, designed this place that welcomes us, Aurora, and Edwin, her fiancé, to his newly acquired “summer home.”

We find ourselves in Northern Ireland. The house, which leaves much to be desired according to the new owner, is located at the top of a Bluff overlooking the sea. This is an area of violent and eerie winds and flashing storms quite unlike the “soft” rains to the south. 

Edwin is a big deal in the city, but we are not sure what kind of a deal he is, only that it brings in plenty of money – in fact, his purchase of this unlikely house was arranged at an auction by his agent.

Into the midst of these initial revelations, the front door opens abruptly, and a tall, slightly wild young manm with a fine Northern Ireland accent stands within the door frame to announce he is Dylan, their neighbour, living close by with his Granny. Edwin and Aurora had understood no one lived anywhere near them.

Kristen Da Silva is back with us as both playwright and in the role of Aurora. She carries the part with a London (UK) accent, pushing and retreating with Edwin, who is a moody soul, to say the best, humorous in their repartee. Aurora is both strong and wilting, sometimes at the same time.

Oliver Georgiou makes a grand job of this role, torn as Edwin is with the many mysteries that make this play entertaining. No stranger to the horror/thriller/comedy milieu in his career, Mr. Georgiou is making his debut here at Theatre Orangeville, giving us a great performance of the self-tortured Edwin.

Mary Pitt tells us in the program notes that she is thrilled to be back at Theatre Orangeville, and we are equally glad to see her again as Dylan’s Granny. Abrupt and unpredictable, she is all presence and funny. Her Irish is spot on, born of her own family background and her passion for travel to the Emerald Isle. Although the play is set in modern times, the house comes from a much earlier time and from her costumes, so does Granny.

Alex Furber is newly welcomed to the main stage here at Theatre Orangeville. Delightful he is with his windblown Irishman, a character of hidden attributes and longings. Mr. Furber’s list of accolades includes such contrasts as Murdock Mysteries and the profound experience of Mirvish’s production of War Horse. The differences between Dylan’s collected demeanour through the dramas and comedies of Edwin’s troubles add beautifully to the piece.

As playwright Ms. Da Silva explains in her notes her long fascination with the culture of the dark, mysterious and funny literature, theatrical and film. From Mary Shelley to Stephen King, she has been called, and this play, The Bluff, is the product of her lifelong interest in the style. Ms. Da Silva is very appreciative of the faith and support she has received by the world-class production of The Bluff Theatre Orangeville has put on the stage under the artistic directorship of David Nairn. Once again, he proves the value of Theatre Orangeville for its embrace of Canadian talent.

Let it be remembered always that only theatre includes every kind of art – from visual to performance to literary. Every artist might now and then – or for a lifetime’s career – contribute to the productions that take place on a stage. 

To that thought, a tribute to some of the many artists involved in this one.

Among them, Rebecca Picherack designed the lighting of the storms, setting nature’s commentary to the action indoors, as well as following that action.

Dan Palmieri has once again defined the story by accompanying sounds inside and out – the little and large shocks to startle us and make us laugh.

Especially for Mary Pitt, the iron in the tale, her dresses come with many questions as to her Victorian appearance and are designed by Alex Amini.

As director of the show, David Nairn has deftly held the reins but only as tightly as necessary to offer a well-timed, humorous performance. His directing style is to “stay out of the way of the actors.” Yet, from time to time, this writer has seen him in action, his sincerity and his utter conviction that Theatre Orangeville will give the best possible version of the play. Let us keep in mind this is the World Premiere of The Bluff and the production that will define it, “a serious responsibility,” David Nairn affirms.

Then, there is a whole creative and technical team, each of whom are essential to deliver and maintain the very high standards to which this and every Theatre Orangeville production can rightly boast. Be sure to give your program a thorough read.

The Bluff is a grand couple of hours at “Your theatre,” as Mr. Nairn loves to remind us. For tickets and information, go to www.theatreorangeville.ca or call the charming folk at the Box Office at 519-942-3423. The Box Office is open at the Opera House at 87 Broadway.

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