Review: THE DROWNING GIRLS at Theatre En Bloc

THE DROWNING GIRLS, began its life in 2008 at the Edmonton Fringe in Calgary, AB. Written by two actors and a director, the story comes from an actual murder case in England in the early 20th century. A man named George Joseph Smith courted and wed multiple women and used a different identity every time. His modus operandi was to isolate the victims from their families, getting all of their property signed over to him. He would then purchase life insurance on them and proceed to drown his victims in a bathtub. THE DROWNING GIRLS is told from the perspective of the three brides: Bessie (Christin Sawyer Davis), Alice (Sarah Danko) and Margaret (Bridget Farr). Their stories take place in three separate years but get woven together from beyond the grave. The three play not only themselves, but every other character involved in their fate, from serial murderer to family members and doctors. The resulting play is one of poetic language, lyrical rhythmic movement and a breathtaking social critique on marrying in haste. What we are treated to is how love can lead to the less-than-happily ever after.

This is at times both a morbidly funny and longing look at women who trusted the wrong man and ended up paying the ultimate price. The women all have two things in common: they married George Joseph Smith, and they are now dead. It begins as they surface from the tubs they were drowned in and we see them reliving and piecing together the events that lead to their deaths, and it leaves a powerful impression as we watch their mistakes.

Director Jenny Lavery has created a mesmerizing evening of theatre. The staging ranges from the lyrically stylized and synchronized to brief moments of conventional staging. At moments, the beauty of the imagery is absolutely astonishing.

The three actresses here make physical and vocal changes like quicksilver. This, in itself, is stunning acting work. When you factor in the facet of doing this while sopping wet, with both style and gusto, these become performances that will be indelibly etched on your mind. They move in and out of the three tubs and multiple characters with lyric ease.

The set, by Chris Conard, is a beautiful recreation of a raised marble bath with three claw-foot tubs. Water pours into the tubs from above at various moments, serving up impressive visual punctuation. If I had one wish for the set, it would be that the back marbled wall treatment matched the center platform and stair area... but this is a minor detail.

Kate Ducey's lighting design perfectly adds to mood changes of the piece as does the sound design by Blake Addyson. The costumes, by Jenny Hanna-Chambers are period perfect.

The concept of taking one's breath away permeates THE DROWNING GIRLS. This production by Theatre en Bloc begins to do just that to the audience with the first shuddering gasps of these three brides.

THE DROWNING GIRLS by Beth Graham, Charlie Tomlinson, and Daniela Vlaskalic

Running Time: Approximately One Hour with no intermission.

THE DROWNING GIRLS, produced by Theatre en Bloc at The Vortex (2307 Manor Road, Austin, TX, 78722 ).

September 29 - October 16, 2016

Thursdays - Sundays at 8 pm. at the Vortex

LIMITED SEATING - RESERVE EARLY!

The VORTEX Box Office opens at 4:30 on show nights. 512-478-5282.

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