I cringed in my seat. I had to turn away at times. The dialogue was at times indecipherable as a result of the heavy Scottish accents. Yet Trinity College’s production of Trainspotting was-and I say this without hyperbole-the best thing I’ve seen on a U of T stage this year.
Before Friday night’s show began, I was unaware that the novel by Irvine Welsh had been turned into a play before it became the manic 1996 film that launched the careers of Ewan McGregor and Danny Boyle. Even after learning this, I was skeptical that the popular film’s impressive elements would be highly influential as the story was presented on the stage. I prayed that Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life,” a song now synonymous with the film, would not be the opening number.
By the play’s end, I had nearly forgotten the film completely.
The play was able to successfully transport me to another world that I felt completely immersed in. As protagonist Mark Renton’s bleak existence was exposed, I felt disgusted, horrified, and (for the majority of the time) shocked. Yet as I watched, I never felt that what I saw was unnecessary or exploitative for the mere sake of stimulating the audience. To create such a theatrical experience is quite the accomplishment, and Izzy Leigh deserves kudos for her controlled and focused direction.
Technically, the show was inventive and impressive. Working with a small stage, the lighting technicians were able to create several unique settings, each one possessing a beautifully appropriate life of its own. The set itself was surreal and wonderful as four large X’s surrounded the stage with an essence of overwhelming negativity.
The excellence of the direction and tech were matched by the performances from all four actors. Alex Champlin’s Renton may have looked similar to Ewan McGregor’s film rendition, yet Champlin passionately made the character his own. His powerful portrayal was, fortunately, equaled by his three co-stars. I can’t imagine it was easy for Claire Seringhaus to be the lone female in a sea of brute masculinity, yet she proved women can be just as tough and filthy. Elliot Shamy, in addition to sporting the finest eyebrows on campus, managed to create three unique and memorable characterizations, including a hilarious (and not over-the-top) mother. A very honourable mention must go to Brenhan McKibbon, who, in addition to crafting multiple roles, exposed his full frontal self in a scene that did not seem unnecessary or put on simply for shock value.
Perhaps the most amazing thing about the entire Trainspotting experience was how the entire audience came together as one. While trying to decipher the thick accents, we laughed together, cringed together, fell silent together, and at the end, stood up and applauded together. Funny how a show about low-life drug addicts managed to have the power to unite.
