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Time, space, reality blend in Blackhorse Theatre’s production of Marjorie Prime

September 20, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By BRIAN LOCKHART

Things may not really be as they appear – not by a long shot – in the Blackhorse Village Players production of Marjorie Prime, currently on stage at its Highway 9 and Mount Wolfe Road location.

Marjorie Prime is a senior citizen who lives in the home of her daughter and her husband.

Marjorie, played by Carol McLennan, seems to be suffering from some sort of dementia. She has forgotten many details of her life and has to be reminded of many things.

Marjorie is visited by a much younger man.

In the role of Walter, Christian Tribuzio arrives at Marjorie’s room and gently scolds her for not eating properly. Marjorie questions Walter about many past events.

She references the time he proposed to her, and refers to him as her husband.

It is soon revealed that Walter doesn’t really exist. He is a computer-generated image of Marjorie’s long-dead husband, with knowledge of Marjorie’s past life, and he is there in this form, to keep her company.

Marjorie’s only child, Tess, played by Erin Mackie, arrives with her husband Jon.

In the role of Jon, Ted Powers seems to be the voice of reason in the room.

Neither Tess nor Jon acknowledge that Walter is there.

Tess is obviously worried about her mother’s health as the older woman’s failing memory is becoming a challenge and Tess struggles with past events involving her mother.

While Tess married Jon, her college sweetheart, Marjorie was more of a free spirit in her youth and thought Tess would be the same.

Marjorie was once involved with a French professional tennis player named Jean Paul who was ranked eighth in the world, as well as several other lovers in her past. Jean-Paul never stopped trying to win Marjorie’s love, even sending her letters 50 years after they were together.

Marjorie asks Tess if she and Jon are still planning to travel.

Tess reveals that it is her dream to travel to Madagascar.

While Jon and Tess discuss the situation around Tilly, Tess seems to struggle with some past issues.

Jon has tried to encourage Tess to seek counselling, but she refuses.

From here, the play takes a dramatic, unexpected turn.

Things aren’t really what they appear to be. Even time is questioned as more is revealed.

If you are a fan of the old Twilight Zone show, you will really enjoy this production.

Directed by Maureen Lukie, Marjorie Prime makes you think, then think again.

Marjorie Prime is on the Blackhorse Village Players stage through to Sept. 29.

You can get tickets to Marjorie Prime online at blackhorsetheatre.ca or by calling the box office at 905-880-5002.

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