NEW YORK—This charming tale with a musical background delights children of all ages, especially teens and older, though I saw mostly adults in the audience. Co-written by the six performers, using four languages, (French, Czech, Norwegian, but mostly English), and playing several musical instruments, Past Half Remembered recounts the story of l00-year-old Maria, a Russian woman who is waiting for her husband to return to her.
However, before you even get to your seat, the cast members enter the lobby to serenade you with Russian folk tunes, flute playing, accordion, violin, and guitar, and serving everyone small paper cupfuls of tea from a samovar.
Finally you enter and the show begins. Maria recounts how she met and immediately fell in love with Noam, her handsome husband-to-be. It was in a park, and because it was raining, Maria invited Noam to stand under her umbrella. Well, one thing led to another.
They were happily married for a while, when unexpectedly Noam had to leave to serve in the Russian army. He later returned from the war but had to go to prison. When he again returned home they had a daughter, Lia.
The family moved to various cities in Russia, including Leningrad and Moscow. The Germans invaded and were driven out, and life resumed as before, except that Noam had grown old and weary. One day he simply passed away and Maria was alone, but she managed to survive a century of turmoil in Russia.
At the core of the story is a seriousness that young children will probably not sense, and that's fine. The play offers a mix of comedy, tragedy, and humanity.
It is not only the plot that delights, but also the style of the piece and the charm and talents of the individual performers. Their performing style melds children's theater techniques, including mime and dance, with realistic performing. Set and costume designer Katerina Houskova creates a loose, flexible environment on the stage; very little furniture, but there are useful props like a samovar and a shawl.
The cast is international, making up a company called NIE: New International Theatre Encounter. Iva Moberg and Tomas Mechacek are from the Czech Republic, Kjell Moberg from Norway, Aude Henrye from France, David Pagan and Anna Healey from the UK.
Director Alex Byrne has worked closely with the company in its efforts to create this, their second original show. The play is based loosely on a true story of a Russian woman whose life had spanned the experiences of the 20th century.
Past Half Remembered is another fine example of The New Victory Theater's commitment to develop theater audiences of the future.
Past Half Remembered
Diana Barth writes and publishes "New Millennium," an arts journal. For information: diabarth@juno.com
Tickets: (646) 223-3010 or www.NewVictory.org
Closes: May 25
Feeds