IN THE CHAMBER 2010: LAST MEN
Upon entering the Rachel Browne Theatre, I was a little hesitant about the play we were assigned to watch last Friday. The play, entitled In The Chamber 2010: Last Men, is the fifth of a collective series. It was made up of two separate monologues, each lasting about an hour. Although the settings and characters are different between the two, the context is relatively the same. Both focus on the Human Factor Analysis, and the inner struggle with one's self.The first half was titled Last Man in Krakendorf, performed by Gordon Tanner. This would have to be the one I enjoyed the most. Tanner depicts a man fed up wit his current life, and the position he currently holds, being a complete bystander (and even in some ways accomplice) to a hog barn fire. The monologue develops, first, as a video presentation to his boss in order to reflect change in his company. With each slide, however, he discovers more and more about himself. Each slide of his presentation becomes a revelation of his true identity.
I thoroughly enjoyed this piece. Tanner successfully captures the audience's attention, performing a monologue with various points of struggle and tension. I believe I enjoyed this more for the sole purpose that it seemed more relatable. I'm pretty sure we've all had a moment where we've looked back and haven't been proud of our behaviours. You don't need to necessarily go out of your way to participate in "bad" acts, but does it help if all we do is stand by? Tanner realises this, and in effort to produce change, he makes the video - and beats a guy up to a bloody pulp. Regardless, I found the first half completely entertaining.
The second half, Last Man in Puntarenas was performed by Steven Ratzlaff. Ratzlaff is accompanied by Tanner on stage, although he doesn't talk until nearly the end. Ratzlaff, however, entertains his guests at his retirement party (symbolized by balloons). He discusses the loss of his son, the end of his marriage, and his involvement in the sex trade industry. With each disturbing revelation, the balloons were comically untied off the chairs and walked off stage.
Although, also, a piece of self reflection and struggle, I failed to receive the piece as I did Tanner's. Ratzlaff is a brilliant actor, able to even bring the balloons to life solely with his interaction, but due to a lot of the context of his speech and personal experiences, I was unable to relate. It did, however, make me feel like one of his guests. Uncomfortable and awkward, and all I wanted to do was be taken away. I say this in the most respectable way, of course. The piece was supposed to make someone open their eyes and feel disturbed by the actions of even the people we think we know. Ratzlaff's example would be, for one, feeling sexually attracted to a few of his high school students.
Regardless, the actors were brilliant. They successfully told their stories, and were able to reveal an extensive background leading up to their scenes. What's additionally impressive is the fact that each of the actors had 3 weeks to produce this performance. Cheers to Tanner and Ratzlaff - they were great.
