Diandra Reviews It All

For one night only, (Re) Birth brought to life the words of E.E. Cummings; one of Canada’s greatest poets whom lived 72 years ago. How can 72 years of life passed be bridged to hold relevance now? Music. As usual, music is always the answer to brings healing and connection, and Soulpepper’s final run turned a poet life into a seeming Wes Anderson film.

Yes, I love Wes Anderson. His colorful kookiness enraptures people’s imagination, and has been recognized because he can being the wonder to simplicity, which (Re) Birth did. With a few children’s toys as instruments and eccentric wear, Re (Birth) felt like a child’s play for adults. Each cast member’s voice and musicianship got equal praise and reflection, of which all together created a nebulous/ platform for people to dream. What most impressed me is that no one stood out in performance, as much as they flowed into each other with a glee of children planning a new schoolyard game. Thus, for 65 minutes, an auditorium of adults gave themselves the permission to join the game. With projector images of star or fish swimming, the crowd laughed as the cast belted and seemed wide-eyed as if they, themselves, were discovering the emotions and themes of E.E. Cummings as they were performing. The added effect only grew the audience’s loyalty and willingness to go forward in a musical that is blissfully weird.

(Re) Birth was memorable because there has been nor will there ever be something like it. It was a show that, like all of Soulpepper, celebrated Canada’s best but also its most daring. To be creative is a bold effort because not everyone will see your magic or inner light, but Re(Birth) is about giving yourself the chance to shine. For all E.E. Cummings eccentric poems and plays upon characters/ themes, all his works boil down to the fact that your life only means as much as you want it to mean. For More Information on Soul Pepper Theatre Academy Click Here, and be on the lookout for next years Soul Pepper Fest.The Perishing Square Theatre, which is located on 480 West 42nd Street.