Communion

On one hand, life is messy and difficult, filled with complicated relationships and crushing disappointments. On the other, it’s a wondrous and beautiful journey of discovery, worth the heartache along the way. Both truths are manifested in Daniel MacIvor’s marvelous Communion, although we join the three struggling characters in the midst of their tumultuous journeys and are left to piece out the value and beauty of their discoveries. The damaged and dying Leda (Jenny Munday) seeks answers from an unforthcoming therapist (Kathryn MacLellan) who directs her to make peace with her angry daughter (Stephanie MacDonald). Munday is outstanding as the caustic but compelling Leda, MacDonald plays her daughter with a fabulous smoldering intensity and MacLellan does a wonderful job of subtly portraying the therapist’s own confusion and turmoil. When the curtain fell, the audience’s rapt expressions were those of people who had seen the light of great theatre. –Kate Watson