2023-10-10 00:28:16
Although still relevant for its critique of toxic masculinity, the play A very beautiful, very sad reel presented at the Théâtre du Rideau Vert struggles to find its tone, 45 years following its creation.
Awarded following its release in 1978, this work by Jeanne-Mance Delisle recounts the setbacks of a poor family from Abitibi in the 1950s who must endure the tyranny of an alcoholic father who ogles one of his daughters.
Played by Frédéric Boivin, the patriarch makes advances towards his elder sister played wonderfully by Sarah Laurendeau. The two youngest sisters played by Ève Duranceau and Gabrielle Lessard disapprove of the behavior of their father who spends his money on vices without putting food on the table.
As his nickname indicates, Ti-Fou, the only son in the household, suffers from a cognitive development problem. He apes his father’s violent ways.
Finally, Nathalie Mallette provides a masterful presence in the guise of the mother who copes with her husband’s excesses with few words, as well as the twisted behavior of her eldest and her son.
A difficult first part
Despite honest staging by Marc Beland, the first half of the show lacks naturalness and realism. The plot is not very subtle. The arrival of the brother-in-law (Benoît Mauffette) and a turnaround in the situation do not convince.
However, it is a shocking face-to-face between the father and the mother which shakes the public. The two parents open their hearts and thus reveal the gap that separates them. Nathalie Mallette’s talent shines through in this powerful exchange.
The last scenes are better, including the end which brings incest to the fore as a social defect.
Featuring strong language, this often crude text addresses hard and delicate themes. It shows the power that women can have in the face of oppression, despite their enslavement. However, the awkward interactions between certain characters mean that the story lacks bite.
A very beautiful, very sad reel is presented until October 28 at the Théâtre du Rideau Vert.
A very beautiful, very sad reel ★★★☆☆
Directed by Marc Béland
With Frédéric Boivin, Sarah Laurendeau, Ève Duranceau and Nathalie Mallette
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