Theatre Review: "Assassins" is fun yet maddening
The award-winning play Assassins, performed by Black Swan Theatre is a fun, yet maddening experience that explores the motives of 9 individuals who assassinated multiple American presidents. Set against a backdrop of colonial arches, it was a patchwork musical that considered the public perception of capitalism and the constitutional framework in America. Even though it was set 30 years ago, it is still relevant as a reflection of ongoing gun violence today.
The opening scene shows the Proprietor (Luke Hewitt) pass a gun to each of the 9 crazed, enraged and passionate individuals. The musical follows the varied ‘assassins’ throughout the storyline as their backstory into the motivation behind their attempts unfolds. The events range from the assassination of Abraham Lincoln by John Booth (Brendan Hanson) in 1865 to the attempt on Ronald Regan by John Hinckley in 1981 (Nick Eynaud).
(Photos by Philip Gostelow)
The acting and set design was highly effective in the effective storytelling of all the assassins. The backdrop projected with ever-changing visuals to aid the storytelling. One of the most memorable parts of the musical was ‘Another National Anthem’ through which the repeated chorus of “where’s my prize” echoed the dissatisfaction all of them felt after their attempt did not leave them with what they wanted - an opportunity to prove themselves to others.
“Everyone has the right to have a dream,” they sang, as they opened the play. The score itself (conducted by Jangoo Chapkhana) was an amazing piece of work-fitting, amusing and so very well written. Music was a tool that was wielded so powerfully in this play, creating contrast but also being supportive of the main action that was occurring. Particularly in ‘The Ballad of Guiteau,’ which was a sombre affair since Guiteau is about to go to the gallows, was actually supported by a comedic piece that told everyone to “look on the bright side.” The music was enjoyable and well performed, and it added an extra depth to the play.
Assassins is a play that comments on the fragile political climate throughout America’s timeline and explores the stories that history did not write. Even if the play still leaves the audience wondering what could possibly drive an individual to take an entire country’s politics into their own hands, it at least shows the dissatisfaction and frustration that sits within the core of the individuals. In the contemporary political climate today, Assassins is an excellent commentary on the struggles of the bourgeoisie.
