REVIEW: An Inspector Calls for Us All...
Dundas Little Theatre’s production selection committee is, undoubtedly, one of the best in the local history of performing arts. It is no small task to ensure a season has some sort of flow or message which binds the season together. This season, one of the standout themes is family. Thus far, we have viewed the world from two different family perspectives in The Humans and Myth of the Ostrich, exploring their dynamics as they navigate and come to terms with situations unfolding around them. For their final production this season, we meet another family situated in pre-war, early 1900’s Britain and explore their classist hypocrisies once a tragedy is announced by an unexpected inspector. It is a morality piece that demands our attention and reflection on how society functions, which is, tragically, still relevant over one-hundred years later.
Director George Thomas has made many impressive choices in bringing this period piece to the stage. The details in the set, costuming, casting and other elements shine throughout. I am always in awe over how the stage at Dundas Little Theatre transforms itself and this is no exception. Set designers do not get enough credit and the efforts of Michelle Chin and crew deserve high praise. The foreboding mounted boar's head, the exaggeratingly large family portraits, and the precise marbled detailing on the floors and pillars show beautiful artistry and allow the audience to experience the uncomfortable and showy extravagance of wealth of the Birling family.
The incredible set design at Dundas Little Theatre
The casting of this production features some of the best stage actors the Hamilton area has to offer and since this production is written with enormous emphasis on dialogue over action, it is necessary to have strong and capable actors handling the material. The cast has both in strides. It is difficult, at times, to work through how unlikeable the characters are and how little pity you feel for them as their involvement in the tragedy of a young, working-class girl has both implemented and affected them. This further showcases how talented this cast is, ensuring you are conflicted in your feelings toward them until the very end.
It is fascinating how playwright J.B. Priestley's sentiments toward the class system is embodied through the powerful presence of Inspector Goole (performed with unrelenting command by Timothy Hevesi). Through this particular character you see how Priestley denounces the hypocrisy and callousness of capitalism, class divides and argues that a truly just society can only be achieved if all individuals, no matter their status, feel a sense of social responsibility. Pay attention to this character. His actions, words and presence will leave you unsettled and even questioning what he truly represents.
Continuing my praise of the cast, the ongoing struggle for dominance between the patriarch of the Birling family (an equally commanding performance by Nicholas Ruddick) and the aforementioned Inspector Goole is particularly excellent but all cast members, save for the dutiful housekeeper, have their moment to confront and assert themselves to varying degrees of success against a man who is so hard set in his sense of morality and justice, you can see the divide between the elders and their young adult children clearly. Both Sheila (a well-crafted performance full of nuance by Rebecca Durance Hine) and Eric (an impressive display of young foolishness and modern sensibility by Gareth Finnigan) have a deep impact on the events unfolding before them and to hold themselves with veteran actors shows the care and dedication to character and their craft. Mrs. Birling (played with delicious haughtiness by Tamara Kamermans) also showcases this sense of divided morality between herself and her children. All the characters struggle with the concept of responsibility and their snobbish sense of how to exist in society without consequence. It is truly impressive to watch their characters break down and realize that no one is without fault, no matter their status.
Cast of An Inspector Calls (L to R): Rebecca Durance Hine as Sheila and Nicholas Ruddick as Arthur Birling
To say more would delve too closely into spoiler territory, but know this: when you reach the seemingly natural denouement, you are not through yet. That surprised me, thinking the show had an impactful and suitable ending only to keep the tension going until the true ending which had several audience members audibly gasping with realization and whispered questions as the lights dimmed on the stage.
This has been a stellar season for Dundas Little Theatre and An Inspector Calls is a compelling mystery/thriller leaving audiences with questions and debates to be had long after leaving the theatre. The Inspector truly calls on us all to reflect on the messages within this production. The combination of a profoundly relevant script, a director and crew who understood the context and the talents of the cast make the final show in the 2022-2023 season a must-see.
The cast of An Inspector Calls at Dundas Little Theatre.
From L to R, Gareth Finnigan as Eric Birling; Tamara Kamermans as Sybil Birling; Tim Hevesi as Inspector Goole; Nicholas Ruddick as Arthur Birling; Rebecca Durance Hine as Sheila Birling, Mike Wierenga as Gerald Croft; and Joy Fournier as Edna.
