Eternal Love of Good Writing

Allow me to indulge in hyperbole in order to express how I feel about this show: “Eternal Hydra” is the best script ever. I am in love with this play.

The work has been described as a “postmodern look at the making of a modernist masterpiece” and it totally appeals to the English Lit major inside me. "Eternal Hydra" is the title of an epic modernist novel by Gordias Carbuncle, an Irish Jew who lived in Paris in the 1930s. This epic manuscript is lost after Carbuncle’s death and then miraculously recovered by academic Vivian Ezra who becomes so consumed by the novel, she begins to see and interact with the ghost of Carbuncle. The play begins when Ezra takes the manuscript to publisher Randall Wellington Jr. and it is in his office she meets Pauline Newberry, a novelist whose new book about modern Negro writer Selma Thomas includes a chapter on Carbuncle.

Explaining the plot any further than this would only be confusing: the play takes place in the present, as well as in 1930s Paris and briefly in Civil War New Orleans. The script is dense, but brilliant, which is exactly how the imaginary “Hydra” novel is described. Playwright Anton Piatigorsky weaves the stories of these characters and their differing timelines together so seamlessly that instead of being disjointed the work is entirely cohesive with a delightful flow.

The play is produced by Toronto's Crow's Theatre and ably directed by Chris Abraham. His blocking is such that at any given moment there is a precise picture created on stage. The set and lighting design provided by John Thompson is clean, modern and surprisingly adaptable to the different locations and time frames. The acting was compelling: David Ferry's portrayal of the slovenly novelist with questionable motives (and the fantastic pseudonym: Gordias Carbuncle) is particularly memorable.

From all angles, this is well made theatre. And it stands in stark contrast to most other new work I see. I find that new work generally means collaborative creation, usually based on movement or sound. Whereas this show is anchored in incredibly strong writing: a compelling story and interesting dialogue. While it might be considered long, at no point does this show drag but rather steps quickly along to it’s most satisfying conclusion.

Stepping aside from my obvious infatuation for one moment, I will admit this is not a work for everyone. This is a play that requires your attention, and if you are not willing to follow the eloquent script from beginning to end, and instead are the type to drift off during shows longer than 90 minutes, this is not for you. However, if you have in interest in theatre that is rooted in strong writing, and/or an interest in literature, particularly the concept of the modern novel, I promise you will love this show.

Rating: M
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Eternal Hydra is part of the Magnetic North Theatre Festival and runs at Academic Hall June 9-13.