Cut the Act

Steven Ratzlaff brings us Dionysus in Stony Mountain, which was recently shown at the Rachel Browne Theater. It's the story of a psychiatrist named, Heidi (Sarah Constible) who is helping an inmate at Stony Mountain Penitentiary named, James (Ross McMillan).  James is supposed to be taking medication but quits just before his parole hearing because he becomes fascinated with the German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche.  He believes that the medication prevents him from being open to the ideas of Nietzsche.  Soon he convinces Heidi to quit her job after expressing all of these ideas of Nietzsche's to her and her life changes drastically.  Bill Kerr is the director.

If you're like me, and are unfamiliar with anything to do with religion or philosophy, you could probably skip the first act altogether. Every issue that was brought up, all of which were referenced to Nietzsche flew right over my head. But the performances from the actors, McMillan in particular, were quite outstanding.

First of all, I was shocked with the number of lines that McMillan had memorized. In this act especially. Nearly every word that came iut if his mouth had something to do with Nietzsche. It would be interesting to find out if he was familiar with Nietzsche before the play. Though I felt that the audience was cheated of a brilliant performance from McMillan's co-star, Constible in this act.

Constible's role in the first act could almost be described as a prop for McMillan's character, James to talk to.  Though she delivered on the stereo-typical image of what a psychiatrist is, I feel like the director could have given more to say.  There just wasn't enough interaction.  I suppose that the reason could be because they are in a prison and the rules are probably a bit more strict in a penitentiary than that of psychiatry in the "real world".  But it's a play!  Let's let a bit more creativity show man!

The second act could have been a play by itself, in fact I wish it was.  It was much more enjoyable because the characters actually had a real conversation and they even used words that your regular "Joe-Schmo" (like me) could understand.  McMillan's character in the second act was much more of a "real" person and was more of a  lovable one because of it.  But it's Constible who steals the show in this one.  The transformation from the tightly-wound psychiatrist in the first act, to the wild, "live free" character she plays in the second, is fantastic.

But what makes the second act better than the first is the way that you can see more of the emotion from the characters.  And it's emotion that makes sense.  You get to see an uncle finally inform his niece of this big secret that has ultimately torn their family apart.  And Heidi getting worked up about James and the other people who she wants to help but cannot.

In conclusion, I would have liked to seen what would happen next in Heidi's life.  I think the sequel to the second act would be a whole lot better than the first.  They still could have included her story about James and her experience at Stony Mountain Penitentiary, but in a much briefer manner.

Everybody's Writing Their Own Story

Journey for Justice is the true story of a Winnipeg girl named Candace Derksen who was murdered in 1984.  Written by Winnipeg Free Press Justice Reporter, Mike McIntyre, the book walks you through the terrible event that will always be remembered as one of Winnipeg's most horrific crimes.

McIntyre and Derksen's mother, Wilma both came to Red River College and spoke to the Creative Communications students about the book and about the long 26 years that have passed since Candace's death.  Even though those years have taken a toll on Wilma and her family, they have been able to fight through it largely because of their faith and also because of their family and friends who were there for them through it all.

Another thing that helped Wilma through the struggle was blogging and writing.  Being a CreComm graduate herself, it was something that she was no stranger to and was something that she loved doing.  She wrote two books in the time that has passed since Candace was murdered, Confronting the Horror: The Aftermath of Violence and Have You Seen Candace?  The understanding that Wilma has for the media industry is what truly gives Journey for Justice the impact that it has.

During the trial of Mark Grant, McIntyre contacted the family and asked their permission to write a book on the long journey that the Derksens have endured.  Knowing his reputation as a writer and being familiar with his work, the family was open to the idea.  McIntyre spent time talking to the Derksens and asked them to relive the most awful moments of their lives.  They did their best to recall those tragic moments and helped McIntyre produce what could be the best true crime novel to come out of Winnipeg.

However, I feel if it wasn't for Wilma's knowledge of the media and the importance of it, I don't think the book would have the same affect that it does.  She worked closely with McIntyre, and from what it sounds like, not sparing many details.  And she also feels it's better to communicate your feelings and events in your to someone else like she does through her writing.  Similar to what she said in the seminar "everybody's writing their own story."