Because it is deemed too old and expensive, a family's piano is abandoned to the sea − "three fathoms deep." The piano is discovered by underwater creatures that try to understand its purpose. They give it a new life and, in the process, discover music in "the key of X." Those who live above water hear the mysterious music and become transformed.
"The Big Gravel Sifter" is based on one of August Strindberg’s short stories. In this version, adapted by Jason Hooper, the mundane meets magic in a combination of fascinating elements. First, there is the "key of X," an out-of-tune and unearthly musical exploration of two worlds that almost collide. Then there is dance. Gracious and sensual movements turn bodies into linguistic vehicles that meet, connect, experience love and part. At times intense, at others almost detached, all the relationships express an emotional void that needs to be filled.
Finally, there is the apparent lack of transitions between the scenes. The atmosphere it creates is very Shakespearian. It is a "dream within a dream" that blurs borders between the human world and the universe of water creatures, confuses the mind, and reaches a climax when former Royal Winnipeg Ballet performer CindyMarie Small becomes a dancing ballerina at the bottom of the sea.
I enjoyed this production by Director Chris Sigurdson, especially the simple but dreamy setting. However, I was expecting the relationship between the sea creatures and the broken piano to be more physical. While the three actresses did a fantastic job portraying human characters, the work on the sea creatures was a little too much on the surface.
"The Big Gravel Sifter" is presented by One Trunk Collective as part of the 2011 Master Playwright Festival that celebrates Swedish playwright and author August Strindberg. See it at Exchange Community Church, 75 Albert Street, Winnipeg, until February 6.
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