A grey matter
Andy Magazine (5/2/2009)
Matt Wright ventures into grey areas with Empowerment Squared’s original and widely-celebrated theatrical production, ShAIDS of Grey.
Every once in a while you get that feeling in the pit of your stomach; not a feeling that you can describe in a single emotion or adjective, but just that feeling that you are compelled to feel. ShAIDS of Grey, the thought-provoking performance play brought to stage by Empowerment Squared, evokes that feeling. With chorus headliners, motivating screenplay and an ensemble with graceful diversity to boot, ShAIDS captivates the stage with a moving presence that leaves you in nothing but awe. While the AIDS benefit production touches on compelling issues such as the repercussions of living life with HIV, it also delves deeper into the psyche of victims and witnesses alike. By drawing on individual characters and their interactions with HIV/AIDS, the onslaught of emotion leaves one feeling hopeless yet driven to fight for a cause against all odds.
The three-night performance of ShAIDS took place at the Betty Oliphant Theatre in Toronto this weekend, raising money and support for Empowerment Squared. Directed by Michael Pett and Alayna Kolodziechuk, ShAIDS follows the journeys of a journalist to Africa and his interactions with the people and culture that is entangled with coping with “the sickness.” Focusing partially on the journalist’s growing relationship with an artist of the area, the plot of ShAIDS twists and thickens with each and every scene that adds a new element of fear and sadness, empathy and compassion, and ultimately despair in the eyes of so many. The deeper and deeper the journalist ventures into the life of his contact in African, the more he realizes the turmoil of dealing with HIV/AIDS, and the more he is shown that there is more to the story than one might seem.
The supporting cast presents their own unique take on the concept of living in an area so greatly affected by AIDS, which not only further enhance the main plot, but add a severe degree of empathy with every scene. Whether it’s the sex worker who sacrifices her own physical well-being to place food on her family’s table, or the suburban student who exudes racism and sexism towards the idea of certain groups being more prone to contracting the disease, the supporting cast packs a punch.
As the journalist reporter (Nicholas Fedele) is confronted with more questions than answers, his artist companion (Eric Kafena), who was determined to carefully elude contracting HIV, finally succumbs to the disease that he tried so hard to avoid. The climactic ending leaves a painful reminder that no one is immune from AIDS, and even those who have the best intentions are often devastated by its preconceived notions. To wish for death seems unthinkable to most, but in a world where the grey areas are so immense, almost anything is possible.
The phenomenal acting ability of the cast and performers layers over a moving score, and the dancing elements add a flare that sparkled in juxtaposition between the darkness of the subject matter and the hope for something brighter on the horizon. The true message of hope is accentuated though emotional dialogue, which, as a modern confessional soliloquy, captivates the attention of all. It seems only fair to refer to the entire cast ensemble with one striking applause than to individually attribute their superb acting abilities. The unity felt on stage and in the theatre illuminates so many issues it is impossible to detach them separately. With finesse, the ensemble of ShAIDS of Grey tackles elements of life so far removed from our own lives, yet draws such precise parallels that it evokes a feeling of absolute compassion. By drawing on the values of family, security and ultimately the health care which we so easily take for granted, the true essence of ShAIDS of Grey, as well as its purpose, emerges with stellar intent.
For more information on ShAIDS of Grey, as well as its role within Empowerment Squared, their website is something to be researched and thoroughly engaged. Without the motivational message and subtle undertones of love, hate, compassion, desire, fear, and community ShAIDS would merely be another stage performance. It is the culmination of hours of hard work, exquisite choreography, immaculate visuals and stunning musical score that helps ShAIDS of Grey seek the development of such a dramatic paradigm shift in the way we view HIV/AIDS. The performance is intriguing, thought-provoking and a modern masterpiece in the realm of benefit causes.
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