Institution revolution
Brett Hooton
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All the single ladies: Clare Coulter and Alison Darcy as Victorian-age feminists
photo: Yanick Macdonald
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Age of Arousal connects to the historical battle against oppression and discrimination and adds to winds of change
Every theatre season gives birth to a number of unintended subplots. This year, plays set in oppressive time periods have popped up repeatedly, with Victorian England in particular snagging the imaginations of the city's theatrical gurus. Centaur Theatre taps into the repressive vapours floating around with Age of Arousal. "The connection to Victorian England makes sense," says actress Alison Darcy, "because of the big change we've had politically in America. We're coming out of a time of oppressed sexuality, oppressed rights and people not being treated properly."
Set in 1885, Age of Arousal centres on a school for unmarried women. Run by an ex-suffragette (Clare Coulter) and her young lover (Darcy), the institution hums along until the arrival of three sisters (Diana Fajrajsl, Gemma James-Smith and Leni Parker) and a charismatic rogue (Julian Casey). The clash of sex drives and revolutionary ideas causes a collective fainting spell.
However, the play doesn't wield its feminism like a handbag to beat audiences over the head. "It debates sexuality, identity and power," Darcy explains, "but it also deals with a very human story."
When strange synergies connect companies, actors and directors across Montreal, one could argue that we end up with a psychological profile of our societal mood. If that's the case, Age of Arousal presents strong signs that
we've become fed up with wars, greed and discrimination. "The word 'arousal' in the title isn't only a sexual reference," explains Darcy. "It's also the arousing of the mind, of new ideas. It's a breath of fresh air."
Age of Arousal
At Centaur Theatre (453 St-François-Xavier), to April 19
