Have you ever watched a play about a play? Well I can now say I have after attending opening night of the Canadian College of Performing Arts’ (CCPA) presentation of A Chorus of Disapproval.
The plot follows a novice theatre group who take on a new cast member who ascends to a lead role rather quickly. But it’s not necessarily smooth—the audience sees how the backstage drama affects the working of their upcoming production. After multiple affairs, constant role swaps, late nights at the bar, and a director who lives vicariously through his actors, the play eventually finishes.
Still, to be quite frank, nothing really exciting occurred during these 2 and a half hours; in that sense, it was rather boring. I found the writing to be extremely flat; I was waiting for ebbs and flows that never arrived. Serious monologues were often punctuated with humour that distracted rather than complemented; this prevented me from really connecting with the performance.
Being set in 1984, I was expecting to see some clothing that wouldn’t be accurate but I was proven wrong. Every cast member had slick costume changes that were without a doubt leaning heavily into ’80s fashion. It appeared both realistic and smooth. Props were moved by the cast members themselves during quickly dimmed moments, which helped aid a smooth show. Stagecraft was simple but effective, although the backdrop—a projector screen displaying random stock photos for each scene—could use some work.
As for crowds, I can confirm these students are well equipped in supporters. Smiles were exchanged left and right before the play had even started. A sense of pride was evident, being shown not just by parents, grandparents, or friends, but through the students. Whether they were in stagecraft or an actor they most definitely carried themselves with grace. Regardless of if they were checking people in, handling the concession, in charge of lights, or up there on stage, their passion for this art captured me.
The atmosphere in this environment made for an enjoyable time whether or not you connected to the production.
Each student was truly marinated in their role. It was fun to watch fellow students learn, engage, and succeed in such a different manner. It would most definitely take dedication and countless hours to make a production seem so effortless. This was not an empty theatre, and for good reason.
Here are my recommendations to my fellow Camosun students. If you’re not a theatre fanatic, then perhaps you will not find enjoyment through A Chorus of Disapproval, especially if it’s your first time going to see a play. However, if you want some entertainment that demonstrates storytelling by students for students, I encourage you to watch one of CCPA’s takes on a more familiar production.
Beyond all the lights and the scripts, it’s truly the passion radiating from these students that makes the performance.