Paradise Lost is a raging, fiery tale on the cycle of revenge, disobedience, and consequences. It is a wild and witty mix of innocence and cynicism, love and rebellion, anger and sacrifice. It is also a glaring battle of the sexes between the divine and the mortal. It is quite the package and it all comes together thanks to a great cast and a sensational performance by Lucy Peacock.
Adapted from John Milton’s epic poem, the play follows the Fall of the Heavenly angels who rebelled against God the Father and are cast down into Hell. They are angry and despondent to be denied the light of Heaven. The ringleader, Satan (Ms. Peacock), forms a plan to take revenge against God the Father (the wonderful Marcel Jeannin). She wants to hurt Him by destroying what He loves: His creation (and Life itself). She discovers that there is a world inhabited by two creatures called humans, Adam and Eve (Qasim Khan, Amelia Sargisson). This world, this couple, and all of Life become the target for Satan’s plan. She uses Adam and Eve’s childlike purity to trick them into disobeying God the Father.
The Fall continues with Adam and Eve’s own banishment from Eden (or Paradise) into the world where they will face the pain of Life, just like the demons face their own pain in Hell. But, God the Son (the charismatic Gabriel Lemire) offers himself as a sacrifice to the frustrated God the Father to atone for Man’s sins. This act will ensure the continuation of Life.
While this story is very familiar, the show is contextualized for the modern times. There are many references to Man’s abuse of Creation: the destruction of the environment, war, violence, power, and murder. There is also commentary on the sexism and disparity of the punishment between Adam and Eve which sets the stage for even more injustice and inequality between humans. In Eden, all is balanced. But outside, there is chaos and this tension is not shared in the same way. Satan relishes in these conflicts while simultaneously tempting Man for more. However, in spite of her actions, life keeps going- she finds no end or reprieve in her quest for revenge. It is no wonder Satan is always going in circles around the theatre as humankind continues to strive for living and making things better.
Ms. Peacock delivers a powerhouse performance, deftly building Satan’s depravity as she descends further into lust for destruction. Mr. Khan and Ms. Sargisson give graceful physical performances as the doomed couple. The cast share roles as Angels and Demons and bring distinctive qualities to each. Terrific work!
The struggle between good and evil is as old as the world itself. While the outcomes are uncertain, the free will to choose is always present. The choice to make depends on desires for the self or for the greater good. As so, the cycle continues…
Photo Credit: Andrée Lanthier
Paradise Lost: Presented by Centaur Theatre Company. Written by Erin Shields. Directed by Jackie Maxwell. Show continues to February 2, 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
