Final Writing Exam

The award goes to …


In March 2009, the Segal Center for Performing Arts, presented an adaption of the most recent play of the British playwright Karoline Leach: Tryst, described as a melodrama, because is tells the story of stereotyped characters that will develop themselves through a series of high emotions.
The action takes place in Victorian London, where a con man, George Love (C. David Johnson), try to seduce vulnerable and lonely women, expecting to marry them and steal their money. When George met Adelaide Pinchin (Michelle Giroux), a seamstress working in a hat shop, he never would have guessed how different she would be.
I believe that Tryst should win the best play prize. The following text will explain how with two major arguments: the direction, actors, conceptions and scenography were fabulous and the story was really touching.

First, Diana Leblanc direction of Tryst was simple, but still original and efficient. At the very beginning of the play, the comedians are on stage telling a monologue but they don’t seem to see each other. This effect is used many times during the show and it really helps the public to understand the characters. It could have easily dropped into something weird and vague. Both actors suit perfectly their roles. Michelle Giroux is amazing. She literally transforms herself into Adelaide, it shows in her body and her voice. C. David Johnson plays wonderfully his horrible character of a con dandy. The costumes are realistic and the dark tones of the clothes help the public to stay focused on what happens on stage. The set is simple, it can transform into the hat shop, the park, the room, which is useful. The actors make the changes themselves by moving a transparent curtain. It is rare that a play have all those goods points, so I believe that Diana Leblanc and her team should be rewarded for their work.


Second, Leach’s play is special and touching. Alright, the situation may be banal, but the characters aren’t. The public immediately like the poor Adelaide, who’s so hopeless but still naïve and learn how to appreciate George, who’s fascinating. At the climax, it is surprising to see how both characters changes, revealing who they really are. The action moves slowing, it’s true, but it makes the public feel like if what was happening on stage was real. Some people may not like it, but it is the choice of the director and she assumed her decision all along. The action follows a strait line to a surprising, possibly shocking, ending, that leaves no one cold. For all these reasons, I believe that Tryst can interest any kind of public and should win a prize.

To conclude, I would remind my opinion: because of the great work of the Segal Center team and because the play is interesting and touching, I think that Tryst should win the best play of the year prize. I would heavily recommend going watch the play next time it is presented and I look forward to see Karoline Leach’s next works.

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