FINBOROUGH THEATRE – UNTIL 27 JANUARY
REVIEWED BY MANDI RIGGI
3***
Michael Healy’s 1979 is a captivating play that delves into the political landscape of Canada during the tenure of Prime Minister Joe Clark. Through its talky narrative and energetic performances, the play sheds light on the challenges and triumphs faced by Clark during his brief time in office.
The writing of the play is commendable, although it may not be as comedic as one would expect. Nevertheless, the writer skillfully portrays the complexities of politics and the personal struggles of Joe Clark, which are aptly brought to life by the talented Joseph May. The dialogue is sharp and thought-provoking, inviting the audience to reflect on the intricacies of political life. Additionally, the rest of the cast, including Samantha Coughlan and Ian Porter, deliver solid performances, seamlessly switching between characters and even genders. However, I must admit that at times, these switches took me out of the dramatic flow.
Mim Houghton’s minimalistic set design is highly effective, allowing the audience to fully focus on the performances and the story being told. However, my biggest gripe with the production was the slide show that accompanied the play. Projected text on a black screen introduced characters and provided historical context, which I understand is helpful in a play centered around a specific political era. However, I found that it often interfered with the dramatic tension, and in my opinion, it was a bit excessive. Additionally, the volume of the music was sometimes too loud, making it challenging to hear the actors’ dialogue clearly.
Despite these minor drawbacks, 1979 is a fairly enjoyable play that was well-received by the audience, as evidenced by its sold-out status.