Michael Geary – Contributor

Turner Studio Theatre is currently preparing to open Bishop’s Drama’s next production, Elias Canetti’s “The Numbered.” Opening on Mar. 25 and running to the 29^th, “The Numbered” plunges the audience into the futurist world of an authoritarian society where names are obsolete and each citizen is instead identified by a fixed number that represents the total sum of years they are allotted to live. Clockwork motifs dominate this world of pure determinism, but what happens when one gear falls out of alignment?

Image courtesy of Michael Geary

The focus on a world so dominated by its laws and traditions was not an arbitrary choice. “I find the whole idea of knowing your date of death fascinating,” said Mary Harvey, professor and director of “The Numbered.” She found the play to be a very relevant choice in the present day, as it deals in themes born of historically strict regimes as well as the role of activism and the power of the individual. “I chose this show because I think the basic concept is an interesting way to examine the role of the individual in questioning authoritarian regimes. It is dystopian but not violent and the hierarchy created by this system is not resource based as with most dark fantasies of this type.” The search for truth and balancing truth with certainty and uncertainty was also crucial to Mary’s choice. “It is more and more difficult to find out what is really true in our time of AI, so that theme resonates too.”

For those familiar with Turner Studio Theatre, you will likely be surprised to discover that the space has been reconfigured again, this time set up for “theatre-in-the-round” with seats on all sides of the stage. Discussing with Mary, this was to create a world that draws in and dominates the entire space. “With audiences on all sides who watch each other watching – a perfect parallel for our social media age. Also – nobody exists in isolation from this regime, everyone is implicit. Not only the actors.” This shift from the usual configuration of the theatre creates a unique viewing experience, as the stage is also significantly lower than the audience level. “I think the fact we are using a pit makes the angle of watching the live performance quite like the Colosseum or a boxing ring, which is quite exciting.”

This experience is also one that is new for the actors. As much of the training and stage experience offered is done flat to one audience, the cast of “The Numbered” is working to adapt and perform in such a way as to captivate four audiences at once. “It’s pretty special!” remarked Gabrielle Champoux, who plays Fifty, the heroine of “The Numbered.” “When we act on proscenium, we are careful not to put our backs to the audience, but in this case, the audience is all around us, so inevitably, our back faces a part of the audience at every point in the show.” This restructuring of the space came with its challenges, but between the visual it creates and the novelty of the experience Gabrielle is excited to showcase it live. Mary agreed that it was part of why she chose this layout. “It gives the actors such freedom.” “The Numbered” has five showings, opening at 7:30 p.m. from Mar. 25 to 28 and a closing matinee on the 29^th at 2 p.m. When posed the question of what people should look forward to when coming to see it, Mary said that the show offers a great deal to enjoy for both the casual viewer and the analytical. “I think the fact it is a futuristic fantasy is really thrilling, it’s political in the abstract and a great heroine’s story. It’s sad and funny in parts. It will really stretch your imagination…Come & be immersed!”