Review: MARJORIE PRIME at Segal Centre

When contemplating the idea of science fiction theatre, a vision of teenagers performing campy Star Trek cosplay comes to mind. Despite its cinematic popularity, science fiction is not a genre that we see a lot of on stage, but The Segal Centre managed to present us a chic (sans geek) portrayal of a future that could be, in its latest mainstage play, Marjorie Prime.

As Montreal is quickly becoming a tech hub for computer advancements in gaming, special effects, and Artificial Intelligence, the selection of this piece seems especially relevant to local contemporary theatre goers. This clever play by Jordan Harrison poses the question: at a time where there's a smartphone in every pocket and digital home assistant "Amazon Alexa" making an appearance on kitchen counters, is a society with carefully programmed androids that far off?

Audience members are immediately transported upon catching their first glimpse of John C. Dinning's elaborate and impactful set depicting the modern yet subtly futuristic home that Marjorie shares with her daughter, Tess, and son-in-law, Jon. Marjorie, a feisty 85-year old granny with dementia, is played lovingly and with humour by the incomparable Clare Coulter. We soon learn that her computerized companion, Walter, is a young depiction of her late husband; a "prime" with its software memory programmed with family memories, complete with all the inconsistencies and omissions with which we typically remember the past. Eloi Archambaudoin's portrayal of Walter is anything but robotic, as we see how human, charming, and comforting an A.I. attendant can be to those who've suffered a loss. The ironic pairing of veteran Coulter with dashing newcomer Archambaudoin was presented with lovely chemistry and set the foundation for the piece. Enter the new generation, Tess (Ellen David) and Jon (Tyrone Benskin), with biting debate over the use of a prime. Always bubbling up with emotion, David and Benskin give compelling and soulful performances that remind us all too well of the bittersweet struggles of the sandwich generation.

Entertaining and gripping throughout, Marjorie Prime gave us a thought-provoking evening that spilled over with debate. Segal Artistic Director and Stage Director for this piece, Lisa Rubin, says "When I first saw the play, I was left with many questions -and I mean in a good way!" On that, this play delivers, but audiences should be warned not to blink for fear of missing the many subtleties that help uncover the story's progression. Beautifully assembled by artistic team Louise Bourret (costumes), Tim Rodrigues (lighting), Christian Thomas (music), and the aforementioned John C. Dinning (set), Marjorie Prime beams you through an unexpected path. Sit back and enjoy the emotional ride.

Evening and matinée performances continue through to March 18th with Monday night talkbacks on March 5th and 12th and ASL interpretation on March 10th. Visit segalcentre.org for showtimes and tickets, or call 514.739.7944. Group, senior, student, and under 30 discounts available. The Segal Centre is centrally located at 5170 Côte-St-Catherine, Montreal.

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