When two iterant workers, Fadoul (Jesse Butler) and Elisio (Nic Krieg) witness the drowning of young girl, one holding the other back from attempting a rescue, Innocence starts us off on the expose of half a dozen groupings – family, friends, lovers – as they grapple with dispossession and purpose in life when confronted with an array of challenges.
Innocence by Dea Loher is a remarkable play and a challenge for both the players as well as the audience. Has the western world really lost its moral compass, is the future only possessed by desires to go back to earlier, better days?
With 10 actors, it would be normal to expect a few laggards in the performance stakes but not here in Accidental Productions working of Bavarian Loher’s acclaimed work, directed with dedication and dimension by Joh Hartog.
Most have demanded of them at various moments difficult soliloquies and all deliver in style with the aforementioned Jesse Butler’s on God one of the best but repeated ones of depth and despair by Anna Linarello as Ella, the lonely wife of an artisan, also noteworthy.
Samantha Soh’s casting as the blind, lonesome but not lonely Absolute (in all white) was inspired and she gave a truly believable and moving performance.
While laced with moments that are harsh, sweet, funny, cruel, dark and light, Innocence is probably best enjoyed by committed theatregoers who will respond with enthusiasm to the play and the players’ performances.
Another fine performance by this crew and production team.
Kryztoff Rating 4K
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