If we are in control of every aspect of our lives, are we truly protected? Do we have the right to feel secure? Do we have the right to privacy?
MOB is a violent, disturbing, but thought-provoking story on the timely subject of identity and the false security of anonymity. It speaks to the idea of how we control our status and how we are perceived to the wider world. It has a twist so shocking that it shatters all of the assumptions about the characters. At the end, the question of whether the story is a tragedy or a victory lingers long afterwards.
Sophie (Adrianne Richards) is on the run from some sort of threat. She seems to be unstable. She speaks to herself in verse that sound like social media comment sections. She is in a very agitated state. She arrives at a house from which she rents a room for the night. She is welcomed by one of the occupants, Martin (Matthew Kabwe), a socially awkward man who is affable but nervous. The landlady, Louise (Susan Bain), is more warm-hearted and welcomes her. She insists that Sophie stays out of concern for her health.
After resting, Sophie is more calm and she begins to befriend Martin. As the relationship progresses, it is revealed that they are both in a state of isolation; one by choice, the other by circumstance. However, the dynamic spirals into manipulation and domination. Acts of perversion are committed. Tragic secrets are revealed. It culminates in a revelatory event that exposes who is the predator and who is the victim. It also asks if revenge is truly a worthy endgame.
The cast is outstanding. Ms. Richards’ performance is finely balanced between pain and purpose. It is a tricky highwire act and she keeps it anchored. Mr. Kabwe is excellent at enacting Martin’s insecurities, bravado, and frustrating mood changes. As the crux of the story centres on Martin and Sophie, the actors have great energy and rhythm. It makes the final act intensely uncomfortable. Ms. Bain delivers just enough kindly understanding without appearing foolish. Excellent, powerful work all around.
The stage is open, spare, but well arranged. The characters are in a constant state of being exposed. The rear is set with blocks of lights seem to indicate the multitude of computer/TV screens that invade our private spaces.
In this age, identity and privacy can be fragile. They can also be misleading. After all, do we really know the person we are encountering?
Photo Credit: Andrée Lanthier
Mob: Presented by Centaur Theatre Company. Written by Catherine-Anne Toupin. Directed by Andrew Shaver. Show continues to March 29, 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
