This year marks the 100th anniversary of Charlie Chaplin’s iconic character, The Tramp.
What better way to celebrate the world’s most-recognized silent-movie character than to see the world premiere of Silent Chap, a play by Kamloops’ Alan Corbishley.
I must admit, Chaplin films do not rank high on my movie-watching list, but I admire the actor’s slapstick style of comedy and the impact he had on the world.
My first thoughts on watching live actors create a story about a silent-film icon did not revolve around anticipation, but more along the lines of wondering how Corbishley would pull this off.
Attending the first-night performance at Sagebrush Theatre, it was obvious this was going to be something totally different than what I expected.
The set includes one large screen in the centre of the stage, surrounded by large film strips. A smaller screen is located up high on the right side of the stage, there to provide the audience with subtitles, just as if we were watching a silent movie.
Silent Chap has no spoken dialogue (except for one spoken word that would change Chaplin’s career).
Instead, Corbishley relies on music, videography, choreography and the actors’ abilities to use body motions to bring the production to life. Corbishley’s music choices were excellent, propelling the audience into the mood of the era.
What truly makes this play work, though, is the set and lighting design by Terry Gunvordahl, who was behind the lighting design for Western Canada Theatre’s presentation of Fiddler on the Roof, among other productions.
Gareth Madoc-Jones makes an impressive debut as the videographer — his ability to allow Chaplin’s Tramp to effortlessly move from live stage to the silver screen is magical. Marian Truscott recreates the visual image through her costume design and Kris Ruston has the sound spot-on.
Choreographer Monica Dottor keeps the performance alive with the ability to maintain the historic silent-film style of comedic movement and slapstick.
Chaplin would have been proud of how Leon Willey brings the Tramp to life as he captures the essence of the iconic character.
Kamloopsians might enjoy more productions that bring actors and videography together — and WCT should consider it.
Such a fantastic fusion will surely attract a new demographic to live theatre.
Silent Chap continues at Sagebrush Theatre, at the corner of Ninth Avenue and Munro Street in South Kamloops, to March 1. Tickets are available at Kamloops Live! box office, 1025 Lorne St., or by calling 250-374-5483 or emailing kamloopslive.ca.
