Love or Loneliness

Les Innocents/The Innocents –  (Re)Discover Theatre

 

Ironically, the dozen or so audience members climb the stairs or take the rickety elevator up to the fourth floor of a building, only to ultimately descend into the Catacombs of Paris. The actual subterranean tunnels were unbelievably a repository for the skeletal remains of over six million French people. Known as ossuaries or charnal houses, the 186 miles of underground paths and passageways beneath the streets of Paris are packed with the bones of the deceased, the overflow from the cemeteries of the late 1700’s.

Largely forgotten, the French privileged curiously began scheduling visits to this mass graveyard in the early 1800’s. Soon afterward, parties, private events and, strangely enough, concerts were performed. During the late 1890’s, it’s said that Saint-Saen’s ghostly composition, Dance Macabre, was inspired by and first performed in, this space.

Motivated by these ghoulish historical facts, (re)discover theatre has developed a fascinating, immersive Halloween-themed experience that will thrill the intellect and possibly chill the blood of audiences brave enough to attend. Soon after the audience’s arrival, they’ll be shepherded through a secret door, down a dark, litter-strewn corridor, as they follow a young composer named Gui. The artist is in search of their former lover and creative muse, Mathilde, who may possibly be buried somewhere within the Catacombs. Suddenly Gui, and the other theatergoers, is met by a specter named Jacques, a strangely affable, broadly grinning guide to this spooky, underworld domicile.

After some twists and turns, the entourage enters a large room that resembles a long-forgotten auditorium. It, too, is littered with debris. Then, without warning, the sounds of the venue become the ghosts of some of the dead, whose bones line the mausoleum. Sadistic stories, sadness and salty tears fill the space as the audience is urged to take seats around the tomb. With only Gui’s single candle to inspire the gathering of spirits, music, song, dance and the ghosts’ personal histories entertain the guests in a wild reverie that sometimes involves an audience member, or two. The result is a soulful performance that climaxes in a revelation that shatters Gui, and their travel companions, as well.

Kudos to the many behind-the-scene artists who made this audience involvement experience happen. They particularly include Ann Kreitman, who both created and directed this ambitious immersive theatre experience, ably assisted by Daniella Wheelock. Mary O’Rourke, aided by Berit Godo, developed the intricate choreography. Sometimes resembling folk dances of a bygone era, sometimes reminding theatergoers of the angular choreography of Michael Jackson’s famous  “Thriller” music video, the movement adds yet another layer to this experience. Chas Mathieu, Kate Hardiman and Matt Reich provided the scenic, lighting and sound designs that help make this show so powerful; and Erika Clauson costumes her cast of spooks and spirits from a variety of eras in time.

The cast is excellent. Emilie Modaff is a strong Gui. Our guide to proceedings, Jacques, is beautifully portrayed by Amanda Forman. Vahishta Vafadari is a haunting pressence as Mathilde. The other restless spirits of the night include Maggie Miller, Deanalis Resto, Alec Phan, Andrew Lund, Levi Shrader, Erich Peltz and Matthew Lunt. Each actor contributes individually and as an ensemble member to the eerie atmosphere of the night.

This haunting, immersive experience is one of three such types of theatrical entertainments available in Chicago at this time. Windy City Playhouse offers one; Strawdog Theatre has another Halloween experience that’s somewhat similar to this. But (re)discover theatre has taken a real-life ghost story and brought it to life for the holiday.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas                      

Presented October 7-November 4 by (Re)Discover Theatre at The Preston Bradley Center, 4th floor, 941 W. Lawrence, Chicago.

Tickets are available at www.rediscovertheatre.com/the-innocents. 

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.