Demons of the Mind

Venue 4 – Onstage at the Playhouse

A mother is on trial headed towards death row with a charge of capital murder, for the death of her five children and near death of the sixth. This play looks deep into the heart of post-partum depression and the extremes of the religious right. It challenges the legal system in Texas, and argues for broader definitions of insanity.

Though an important argument, the story does come off as preachy and repetitive at times. I was also bothered by the fact that, though the performers often mention that they are “in Texas”, there is nothing by way of sets, props or performance that would give you this feeling at all.

Talia Pura delivers a solid performance as a mother driven insane. Her acrobatics on the ropes and hoop, though not Cirque du Soleil quality, are lovely and offer a good metaphor for the internal struggle in her mind. However I found James Campbell, who is usually a good performer, to be flat in this one. As her lawyer, he is arguing to the jury (the audience) her case but does not come off as convincing. I have mixed feelings about this show; it’s not a favourite, but if you have the time it’s worth checking out.

- Cindy Murdoch UMFM