Panache Productions, Springfield, MA
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through November 23, 2014
by Phil O’Donoghue
Ariel Dorfman’s play “Death and the Maiden” is not an easy
play to watch. Set in the aftermath of Chile's dictatorship rule in the 1990's,
which included kidnappings and torture on a daily basis, Maiden is just one
story about those abuses; but one story can be a harrowing experience.
Panache has gained a well-earned reputation for choosing
plays that are challenging. Maiden is a complex play about Paulina, a victim of
torture and interrogation. Her husband, Gerardo, works on a Human Rights
Commission of the play’s unnamed country. The visitor, Roberto, is a seemingly
innocuous man, eager to help, and is just as eager, if you believe him, to see
his country’s past abuses made right.
When the play starts, Paulina seems to be a nervous,
slightly scattered woman. Gerardo is solicitous to his wife, yet concerned that
her frail condition will upset his career. When Paulina hears Roberto’s voice,
her persona takes a sudden turn. She is stunned, shocked, and finally,
determined. Paulina knocks Roberto out, ties him to a chair – and the play
begins.
Believe it or not, there is a danger of the script being, what some critics
of the original Broadway production referred to as, somewhat of a light play.
There are lines where the audience nervously laughs, almost making the
situation absurd. Thankfully, this community theatre's experienced director and
cast walks that tightrope with ease. Marge Huba’s Paulina is overpowering in
her rage and her need for vengeance. Hal Chernoff, as her husband, makes his
character change into a weak, helpless onlooker – making his audience
understand how a country can bend so easily under a forceful personality. Mark
Ekenbarger, in the role of Roberto, shows a wide range of emotions. He is
terrified at first, but ultimately almost contemptuous of Paulina. It is a
fascinating standoff.
Kudos to Panache, its director, cast, and crew for
undertaking this difficult production. It makes for an interesting and
thought-provoking evening.
