King Dave is a brilliant one-man performance on the self-destructive impulses that can come from the struggles with racism. It is a journey of how injustice, betrayal, and unaccountability can twist one’s choices, leading to ruin.
Dave, a young Haitian-Montrealer, narrates his story of youthful troubles as they spiral out of control. His need for respect and validation from those he reluctantly admires, leads him to make one stupid, reckless, and violent decision after the other. While he knows better, he cannot help but react aggressively to his problems. Later, he recounts his frightening encounters with racism as a child and how nothing was done to help him. Over the years, these events continue until he decides that the best way to take control and power is to antagonistically confront those who have wronged him. He tries to gain control from his sense of powerlessness. However, he has no one around him to tell him to stop and reflect on how the next move may be a very bad one. He is a troubled young man with no guide, no guardrails, and no support. While he may have some insight into his choices, his need for value leads him to a place that will determine the rest of his life.
Patrick Emmanuel Abellard gives an incredible physical performance. He portrays Dave with an empathy that engages the audience in which they feel his pain just as they are outraged by his acts of violence. He articulates the character’s thoughts and feelings as they swirl and clash with one another. He also portrays the voices of various characters, such as Dave’s mother, friends, and girlfriends. He makes their personalities come alive. Mr. Abellard preforms a full and vital story with many moving parts. He hits the drama and the humour exactly right.
The sets are very good: spare, not fussy, but highly functional. The lighting is effective showing the changes of the days and the locations.
Trauma can alter the mind and the soul. It does not retreat but builds up until it manifests in damaging actions. Awareness is not enough. Care and kindness must be given and accepted.
Photo Credit: Danny Taillon
King Dave. Written by Alexandre Goyette. Directed by Christian Fortin. Show continues to April 16, 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
