Vertigo Theatre’s production of The Brothers Paranormal by Prince Gomolvilas has it all. Interesting characters, a terrifying ghost, impeccable acting, and theatrical design that keeps the audience rooted to the spot. It’s thrilling and intriguing, but also has its sweet moments. Usually, ghost stories don’t deliver this level of depth of character, but this is what makes this play so good. The audience is invested in the outcome for every one of these characters. This compelling mystery is not to be missed.
I’m keeping the details about the plot to a minimum, so as to not include spoilers. Suffice to say that Max (Daniel Fong) and Visarut (Aaron Refugio) are Thai brothers who are running a paranormal activity investigation company together. Their business has been struggling until they are hired by Delia (Jamillah Ross) who believes that her apartment is haunted by a ghost (Heidi Damayo). Her husband Felix (Ray Strachan) is wondering if it’s all in her head, so he wants Max and company to produce evidence. Visarut and Max visit the couple’s apartment to get rid of the ghost and allow Delia to get some sleep.
“You don’t have to come from disaster, to feel like your life is a disaster,” Tasanee (Carolyn Fe), Max and Visarut’s mom says at some point in the play. She’s speaking about her immigrant journey, but this thread connects all the characters together, as do other stories in the play. There is the thread of gambling and how it connects people, whether it’s at Thai funerals as Tasanee recounts to the audience, or as a slot machine that takes up room in Delia’s closet (something she keeps in memory of her mom). All of these little stories illuminate the larger narrative and create empathy for these flawed human beings on stage. All the stories and pain are layered on top of each other.
For this ghost story to be believable, it demands from the artist on stage and from the production team. Fong is extraordinary in his portrayal of Max. It’s a touching performance, nuanced and vulnerable. He somehow manages to show Max’s bravery while also showing how very broken he is. Ross portrays Delia’s battles with herself and the ghost with such power. She holds the keys for the audience believing in ghosts. Otherwise the premise of the play falls apart. Refugio and Fe bring a lightness and humour to the play, which is much needed. All of these powerful performances are due in part to the direction of Esther Jun and Kodie Rollan. Their vision for the play is captured in everything on stage.
Scott Reid’s set design allows the setting to mostly remain the same, while a corner of the stage folds in and out. The change of location doesn’t require a full set change, which keeps the play tight. Ajay Badoni’s lighting design and Alixandra Cowman’s sound design and composition create the scariness in this ghost story and do it brilliantly.
The Brothers Paranormal is a dynamic and compelling ghost story. Don’t miss this one.
Vertigo Theatre’s production of The Brothers Paranormal runs until October 26. More information is available online.
Photo: Aaron Refugio, Daniel Fong, Carolyn Fe. Credit: Fifth Wall Media