justice in the Name of Spectacle: A Review of “Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead” at the Daile Theater
The Daile Theater’s new production, “Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead,” is a thought-provoking and visually stunning theatrical experience. This poetic mystery challenges audiences to look beyond the surface and delve into the complexities of justice, morality, and our relationship with the natural world.
A Queen of Creativity Takes the Stage
The Daile Theater has established a tradition of inviting international guest directors, with varying degrees of success. From the artistically brilliant “Rotkho” (2022) by Łukasz Twarkowski to the ambitious yet less prosperous “Leopoldstadt” (2023),directed by John Malkovich,the theater’s commitment to engaging with the broader European theater scene and enriching the Latvian cultural landscape is evident.
This approach mirrors a trend seen in regional theaters across the United States, where collaborations with international artists bring fresh perspectives and innovative staging techniques to familiar stories.For example, the recent shakespeare Theater Company production of “Hamlet,” directed by a Lithuanian artist, incorporated elements of Eastern European folk tradition, offering a unique interpretation of the classic play.
Ola Mafaalani: A Director Forging New Paths
Ola mafaalani, the syrian-born director of “Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead,” stands out as a notably intriguing figure in this international cohort. Raised in Germany, educated in the netherlands, and having worked extensively in both Europe and the United States, Mafaalani brings a wealth of experience and a unique artistic vision to her work. From 2009 to 2016, as artistic director of the Netherlands’ Noord Nederlands Toneel, she significantly contributed to the development of theater in the Netherlands.
Mafaalani’s background is not unlike many contemporary American directors who draw on diverse cultural experiences to inform their work. This cross-cultural exchange is increasingly crucial in a globalized world, fostering greater understanding and empathy through art.
Beyond the Whodunit: A Deeper Dive into Morality
While based on Olga Tokarczuk’s novel, the performance transcends the typical murder mystery.The central question of who is responsible for the deaths of hunters in a Polish village becomes secondary. Instead, the production emphasizes striking visuals, evocative sound design, and even sensory metaphors that create a vast and contemporary landscape.
This shift away from traditional narrative aligns with a growing trend in contemporary theater in the United States. Many productions are now prioritizing immersive experiences and thought-provoking themes over straightforward storytelling. For instance, Sleep No more, an interactive adaptation of Macbeth in New York City, emphasizes atmosphere and audience agency, inviting viewers to explore the narrative in a non-linear fashion.
Justice and Sensory Overload
The play, as the initial description notes, “drives its plow over the bones of the dead” – a powerful image suggesting a relentless pursuit of truth and justice, even at the cost of disturbing the past. The production utilizes sensory elements to heighten the emotional impact, drawing the audience into the complex moral landscape of the story. This immersive approach is a common tactic used now in theater to engage audiences on a deeper level.
The use of sensory metaphors can be compared to virtual reality (VR) experiences now being incorporated in some theatrical productions in the U.S. to enhance the audience’s sense of presence and emotional engagement, creating a more powerful and memorable experience.
