One of the most difficult scripts director Demetri Vacratsis and actor Kevin T. Young will ever tackle is likely "Nocturne" by playwright and novelist Adam Rapp. Essentially one long monologue, the script has no stage directions, no indication of which of five characters is speaking which lines, and little else to guide them. Therefore, just like what Rapp's protagonist must accomplish by the end of the play, those producing it must connect the story's many dots themselves. It's an adventurous risk, to be sure; one missed or misunderstood shred of dialogue could destroy an otherwise carefully constructed work.
But on opening night at Windsor's McKenzie Hall, Vacratsis and Young proved up to the task, as the powerful magic they created – with help from set and lighting designer Aaron Moore – was nothing short of amazing.
"Fifteen years ago I killed my sister" is Rapp's attention-grabbing opening line, and for the next 90 minutes, The Son's cluttered mind – like that of the set and stage around him – is shifted and sorted, poked and prodded as he tries to make sense of the events and guilt of the last 15 years. Although the death was accidental, his parents' response drove him out of the house at age 17. He headed east to New York and had minor success as a novelist. But the girl's death has haunted him – and stunted his life – ever since.
Despite the occasional dialogue that sounds more like a spoken novel than a play, Rapp gives Vacratsis and Young plenty of emotional beats to explore. What truly sells the story, however, is Young's superb use of his eyes, his face and his body parts to convey The Son's anguish, confusion and passion. It's storytelling at its finest.
Also excellent is Peter Coady as Earl, the father. The late second act reunion between father and son is particularly engaging – as evidenced by the many sniffles heard throughout the theater.
Breathe Art Theatre Project will continue its cross-boarder production at Detroit's Furniture Factory beginning Oct. 3.
REVIEW:
'Nocturne'
Breathe Art Theatre Project at The Furniture Factory, 4126 3rd St., Detroit. Fri.-Sun., Oct. 3-19. Tickets: $20. For information: 248-982-4121 or http://www.breathearttheatre.com.
