We dashed from Virgil’s in Bellevue, afraid we were going to be late. Had our usual wonderful luck finding a parking place – a bit farther than we wanted, and I saw a couple closer – should have trusted my luck a little more!
It was opening night, so folk were milling around, which meant we weren?t really late. Seats were scattered in the sold out house, and I ended up in the front row rather than the top tier – which is not my favorite place by any means, so I was very content.
Vigils is a strange and interesting play. And to me a strong statement that the new generation of playwrights is going to do what it will, and theater in five years may not be recognizable. It also may not be as comfortable, but with theater, that?s a plus. It?s good to come out with lots of puzzle over.
The characters: the widow, the soul, the wooer, the body and the child. Most of the story is told in flashbacks, several repeated from different points of view – or exactly the same. Coming, as memories will, just when they please. A powerful story of a woman stuck at a critical point in the spiral of growth, unable to move on. She has caught the soul and will not release him. All (her) pieces/pawns are caught up in the death(s) and the swirl of events.
The casting / acting was excellent. I looked at the play from current play points of view – but none of those fit. The guy I was sitting next to didn?t like it, couldn?t wait for it to be over. To me, there is in the play the shadowy form of a new outline rising. An exciting time in and for American theater is coming up, and this play is a harbinger.
It?s on until April 26 – go see it. It will stir you up, one way or the other.