Kisses Deep is a mother and son drama, filled with many moments of shock, humour, and violence. The show explores the world of fashion and beauty, family dysfunction, and pain. In spite of these heavy themes, the show has a moving story with touches of the supernatural. While uncomfortable at times, the empathy for the characters keeps the show compelling.
Béatrice (Leni Parker) and her son Hugo (Kevin Raymond) run a fabric store inside a shopping mall. Béatrice is embittered and angry. She is separated from Hugo’s father, her business is struggling, and is at loggerheads with her son. Hugo is a thoughtful but troubled young man with a love for fashion, especially as an art form. He is anxiously waiting for acceptance to a design school. His idol is the late designer Yves St. Laurent (Yves Jacques), who appears as a muse, guiding and teaching Hugo about how fashion should reflect the person. The St. Laurent inspiration is being passed on to the son, although the great designer also had a complicated relationship with his own mother, and he had many self-destructive habits.
A violent incident leads to the arrest of Béatrice. She struck Maryse (Amelia Sargisson), a teacher accusing her of abusing Hugo. Hugo desperately tries to fix the situation. A kindly policeman, Sgt. Régis (Lyndz Dantiste), is assigned to mediate the problems between the two women, and tries to help Hugo. As the court case approaches, Hugo tries to help both women with his fashion ideas. Surprisingly, a supernatural element emerges, not just with the ghost of St. Laurent, but that Hugo’s kisses seem to transport people to places of joy, as though innocence is being given and manifested.
Mother and son share a love and appreciation for beauty and art. They know the difference between exquisite craft and horrible indifferent construction. They despair at the ugliness of the world around them, blocking out the chance for beauty in their lives. The intense conflict between Béatrice and Hugo escalates violently and secrets are revealed.
The cast is excellent. They are so engaging even during difficult moments, and bring the right amount of humour. The sets, lights, and projected images are gorgeous.
Trust and forgiveness are hard to achieve, but necessary for life to flourish, and to make room for love.
Photo Credit: Andrée Lanthier
Kisses Deep. Written by Michel Marc Bouchard. Directed by Eda Holmes. Show continues to December 14, at the Centaur Theatre, 453 St-François-Xavier, Old Montreal. For tickets call the box office at 514-288-3161 or go to www.centaurtheatre.com
