A Nuanced Look At Life In Siberia - Review of "Snow In May" by Kseniya Melnik

In terms of capturing sensuality, Kseniya Melnik reminds me of a young Nabakov.  Now living in El Paso, Texas, Ms. Melnik grew up in Eastern Siberia in a town that was at the heart of the notorious Soviet Gulag Archipelago.  After Stalin's death, the Gulag was dismantled, and that part of Siberia became an academic and technological center.  In order to entice workers to live and work in Magadan, the regional capital, the Soviet government paid wages that were sometimes twice the going rate in the rest of the country. As a result, Magadan attracted a motley crew of residents, many of whom populate these stories.

Melnik writes about these people in a series of short stories in "Snow In May."  Many of the same characters show up in several of the stories, seeming to walk out the back door of one story only to show up on the front porch of the next story.  This continuity of characters makes this collection a more satisfying set of short stories than is often the case.  This phenomenon also creates a bit of a literary jigsaw puzzle, inviting the reader to figure out just how each character fits into the framework of the other men, women and children who populate this book.

Some of the stories are set in Magadan and reflect profoundly on what life was life in that frozen land.  Other stories are set in Moscow, Alaska, and North Dakota.  In these stories, the lives of those who left Siberia are described, as well as the lingering effects and remaining relationships they share with those who stayed in Russia. The overall effect of the book is to give the reader a very nuanced and almost cinematic feel for what it was like to grow up in this remote corner of the world.

Ms. Melnik's writing is clear, evocative and a delight to read.  The many layers of relationships are revealed like the nesting doll Matryoshkas depicted on the book's cover.  Hers is a voice well worth listening to.

Enjoy!

Al

A Bridge Too Far? Never! - Apollinaire Theatre Company's "Bird" Soars Over Chelsea

Alana Osborn-Lief as Nina
Diego Buscaglia as Con

For most theater lovers in the Boston area, a visit to a theater in Chelsea necessitates a trip over the Tobin Bridge.  Until last week, I had not taken that plunge until Trip Venturella suggested that I come and check out Apollinaire Theatre Company's production of "Stupid F***ing Bird" by Aaron Posner.  Mr. Venturella serves as Apollinaire's Director of Development, and on this production was also Choreographer and Stage Manager.

I had no idea what to expect when I made the decison to come to Chelsea and Apollinaire Theatre Company, except for a cutting edge and "edgy" play based on Anton Chekhov's iconic play, "The Seagull."  I was blown away.  My only regret is that I did not see the show in time to make readers of The White Rhino Report aware that this show was a "Must See."  Unfortunately, the play closed last weekend.  So, why am I writing a review of a show that has already closed?  Good question!  Here are my reasons:

1. Having discovered a gem in Apollinaire Theatre Company, I want all of the readers of White Rhino Report to put Apollinaire on their radar screens for future productions.  Based on what I experienced last week, whatever they produce will be worth seeing, and a trip across the Tobin Bridge will never be a "Bridge too far."
2. Everyone involved in this production is worthy of a shout out - even if it is an ex post facto word of appreciation.
3. The work of playwright, Aaron Posner, will again be on display in our area, and I want to alert everyone to that opportunity.  He is co-directing the upcoming production of "The Tempest" at The American Repertory Theater in Cambridge.  His co-director is Teller of Penn and Teller fame, so the show promises to be another "Must See" event.  The show opens at the A.R.T. on May 11.  Several of the performances are already sold out!

Director Danielle Fauteux Jacques assembled a flawless cast for "Stupid F***ing Bird."  It was en ensemble in the best sense of that term.  She was very ably assisted by the work of Sound Designer David Reiffel, Scenic Designer Megan F. Kinneen, Costume Designer Julie Dauber.

The cast:

Con - Diego Buscaglia

Dev - Brooks Reeves

Mash - Emily Hecht

Nina - Alana Osborn-Leif

Sorn - Jack Schultz

Trig - Kevin Cirone

Emma - Jeanine Frost

What made this evening at the theater such a memorable event for me was a combination of factors.  Basically, I experienced the weaving together of excellence at several different levels - the writing, the directing, the acting, the work of the the design team, the venue.  Yes - the venue!  Apollinaire Theatre Company has invested in a a classic brick building at 189 Winnisimmet Street near Chelsea Square.  The building, a former Odd Fellows Hall, has been carefully refurbished and is now a lovely destination, housing an art gallery, rehearsal and storage space for the theatre and a wonderful and flexible performance space.

Having tasted some of what Apollinaire has to offer on their artistic bill of fare, I can't wait to come back for seconds!  When will that be and what will be the next offering? Stay tuned for developing news. We will cross that bridge when we come to it!

This theatre company is worthy of your patronage and support.  Go to their FaceBook page and "Like" the page so you can be alerted to upcoming shows.

Al

Apollinaire Theatre Company Website