The Seafarer is an old English poem about a man alone at sea. Scholars suggest that it’s told from the point of view of a seafarer, who is reminiscing about his life, and how life’s “earthly happiness will not endure,” and you must fight “the devil with brave deeds.”
The play of the same name, by Conor McPherson, is playing at Alberta Theatre Projects and stars Canadian icon Paul Gross. Which isn’t to say that his castmates don’t rival his talents, in this thoughtful and multilayered production. This play has it all: popular appeal, emotional connection, and smart production design. It’s narrative that reveals itself slowly and the message at the heart resonates. Despite your demons, we’re all in this together.
The play tells of James ‘Sharky’ Harkin (Shaun Smyth) who was let go from his chauffeur job and has returned home to take care of his recently blind brother Richard (Christopher Hunt). As the opening scenes unfold, Richard is belligerent and ungrateful of Sharky’s assistance, marked by him throwing his toast on the filthy floor and uttering demands of his little brother. Ivan (David Trimble) passed out in the house because he and Richard were drinking, a past time that ails all of the men on stage. Sharky learns that Richard, against his wishes has invited Nicky (Chirag Naik) and a guest to the house for Christmas Eve. When we meet Nicky’s guest, Mr. Lockhart, (Paul Gross) we begin to know that something isn’t right with him and it’s a slow burn for that to be revealed.
The four men on stage are stellar. Gross is so measured and has such poise as Lockhart, and Trimble is hilarious, but never over the top. His going up and down the stage is comedy to behold. Hunt is impeccable as Richard, physically embodying his sightlessness, and his emotion belligerence, but also holding a little bit of softness in character. Smyth’s ability to convey a multitude of emotions in such few words is nothing short of amazing.
The cast is the heart of the play, for sure. But the lighting design by Anton de Groot deserves a standing ovation on its own. The reveal of the production is done with light, and the glow and expression that the light illuminates is a wonder. Hanne loosen doesn’t disappoint with set and props design, giving the whole set a grungy and falling apart feel, even in the wallpaper. Ralamy Kneeshaw’s costume design along with Kathryn Smith’s sound design add to the whole feel of the play. The distinct lack of female voices in the play is palpable though, and the accents are all over the place, when they are really supposed to be Irish.
The Seafarer examines addiction and how it takes up so much of the lives of these men. And how it brings out the worst in them. But also, the best shine through, like cracks of light. They are all in this together and there is deep care for each other, in that light.
Alberta Theatre Projects’ production of The Seafarer runs until November 10th. Tickets and more information are available online.
Photo: Paul Gross and Shaun Smyth, Credit: Benjamin Art and Photos.