Touched By Fire

Burton-Taylor Theatre to Sat 8th May 2004

On October 23, 2002, Chechen rebels stormed a Russian theatre, held 700 hostages and demanded an end to the war in Chechnya. Such was the backdrop drop for this play. Worn by the incessant media coverage of terrorism, I arrived feeling apprehensive about life's bleak underbelly and who my enemy would be purported to be today.

Four actors dressed in white were already in position when we entered the stage, and in this intimate venue, it certainly felt like we were on it. An injured man, a nurse mopping his brow and two mad onlookers - one wetting herself in the first scene, as if to prove her madness and reassure us there was a lighter side. I pondered whether this was a hospital or heaven. Patients or ghosts? And who were the bad guys? In war there is always the enemy, and today it is terrorism.

Amidst the questions, four personal stories unfolded. Each touched by politics, betrayal, fate and indeed by terror in some way. Most of all, each of these characters were touched by love, imprisoned by time, yet liberated in this moment on stage we all shared. This play was not so much about terror. More so, terror as a backdrop for love. In war there is passion, passion so often inspired by love. And in both war and in love, there are always victims.

This was a powerful performance by each of the actors. The set was minimal, it was passion that moved me. My apprehension was unfounded, I needn't worry who the enemy was. As time's pendulum swung and the play inevitably ended, I left feeling inspired by the life and love playing out in all those around me, even as the bombs detonated.

I highly recommend this play. Don't be put off by the subject matter. This was a compelling story, riddled with humour and played out by a young, talented cast. You'll be touched by fire too.

Jason Nixon May 4 2004