Theatre Review: The Double, Running in Toronto (Oct 24 – Nov 24)

'The Double', based on Fyodor Dostoyevsky's famous novella published in 1846, is running at Factory Studio Theatre in Toronto from Oct 24 to Nov 24. It is an imaginative blend of physical and verbal theatre. The story is about a clerk who loses his sanity. 'Stage Door' reviewed the play.

Yakov Petrovich Golyadkin (played by Adam Paolozza) has got a family name which, in Russian language, means "poor fellow." He has a double nature as he is quite polite with his superiors and extremely authoritative with his inferiors. His man-servant Petrushka (played by Viktor Lukawski) grudges about it all the time. Golyadkin wants to play rich, even though his earning remains humble. He invites Klara Olsufyevna to celebrate the young woman's birthday in grand style. When the doctor tells Golyadkin that enemies have surrounded him and are trying to destroy him, he develops an alter-ego.

Even though Dostoyevsky's story is the core strength of the plot, TheatreRUN's extraordinary presentation injects life in it. The Factory Studio Theatre is arranged such a way that it gives the 19^th century feel. Some of the seats are replaced with chairs and tables, and there is a series of footlights added. Arif Mirabdolbaghi, who is the lyricist and bass player of Protest The Hero - the Canadian Metal band, plays an intense Russian lament as he is dressed in period costume. The lament is gradually converted to an upbeat jazzy tune.

Mirabdolbaghi's input as the narrator, with the performances of Lukawski and Paolozza, make the production extremely strong. Lukawski and Paolozza are wonderfully skilled at mime. There are some hilarious moments like when Paolozza acts like both Golyadkin and his 'double' and struggle with each other. The way Paolozza shifts from one character to the other is inspiring.

TheatreRUN has been able to establish itself to be one of the most artistic performers in the country, thanks to the stylish production of 'The Double' and 'Spent'.