Luminato Festival – 2b Theatre Company’s Homage

Reviewed by Paula Citron

The Luminato production of 2b Theatre Company’s Homage shimmers in beauty.

Halifax writer Anthony Black was inspired by the destruction of a piece of art 30 years after it had been created. In 2005, sculptor Haydn Davies’ outdoor work Homage, made of laminated red Canadian Cedar, was dismantled because it was deemed unsafe.

The play explores many themes, from moral rights to art versus politics, with the setting and direction heightening these issues in a stunning way.

Director Christian Barry and his creative team have picked up on Stonehenge being the genesis for Homage, and so the seating is in the round, and the portable bench set pieces are shaped like arches. My guest called the performing area a sacred space.

Kudos to Jerry Franken and Barbara Gordon for their portrayals of Haydn Davies and his wife Eva. They lead a strong cast.

Everything about Homage is exquisite.

Homage continues at the Joey & Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre until tomorrow.

Homage
Luminato Festival/2b Theatre Company
Written by Anthony Black
Directed by Christian Barry
Performed by Jerry Franken, Barbara Gordon, Karen Bassett, Hugo Dann, Gordon Gammie, Ann-Marie Kerr, Hugh Thompson
Joey & Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre, Jun. 17 to 19, 2010