A Mirror by ARC (“Actors Repertory Company”) is narratively one of the best stories I have seen so far this theatre season. In no small part because of the twists and subversions of dramatic structure that occur that honestly need to be experienced for the first time like I did with little to no prep. I am going to do my utmost to avoid spoilers but some may be unavoidable.
ARC has truly put on a creative, powerful, and unnerving production about censorship, governmental overreach, art in protest, the political game and the people who play it. It fires on all cylinders from the writing to the direction to the acting and all the production elements. It is a show where you can’t take every single scene into a vacuum as every piece matters and, when it all comes together, you see why the choices were made.
It is a story within a story as the audience is invited for a wedding that masks a secondary event, a reminder that art and storytelling can be a call to action and a dangerous rebellious act. The production’s success is a testament to the actors who essentially play dual roles and the direction by Tamara Vuckovic.
It would be difficult to single out any individual performer because they all navigate and live in this multi-layer story so effectively. Nabil Traboulsi’s performance captures the balancing act of his characters, constantly walking a tightrope as he fights with others and himself to maintain control. His performance is an unnerving, tension-filled presence as the audience waits to see if he wins or breaks. Craig Lauzon showcases a rollercoaster of bravado and vulnerability that reinvents his character from beginning to end while freely embracing the character’s pain and insecurities. Jonelle Gunderson brings heart and strength to a character eagerly trying to embrace the future but struggles with the past and how it has shaped her. Paul Smith’s journey from naivety to finding his own personal strength and rebellious agency makes the audience root and fear for him. The final ensemble members that join completely reinvent the piece by the end, but that is an experience you need to experience for yourself without any spoilers from me.
You may not fully understand the incredible production work done by Nick Blais, Snezana Pesic, Lyon Smith, Chris Malkowski, Matthew Hall and Abby Esteireiro until the end. But when it all comes together, you truly see the genius that their work was building up to- symbolism I only understood once the show was complete and I could see how every prop, costume, sound and lighting choice came together to deliver this tale. Every piece matters and it is a show that rewards patience and knows how to keep your attention.
Do yourself a favor and check out A Mirror. Theatre is more than just entertainment. It is a journey, an argument, communication and rebellion. If you have ever felt uninspired and lost by what theatre can do outside of entertainment, if you are an artist wondering what else your art can do, find that past excitement and reflection of your ambitions in A MIRROR.