Islander (Chicago Shakespeare Theater)
A perfectly sized theater houses the intimate and unique musical Islander. Fifteen year old Eilidh is the youngest inhabitant of Kinnan, a small island near Scotland. She lives with her Gran, the oldest person there. Many residents have left to find better futures on the mainland. The plot loosely considers the question of whether to stay or go and become a “biglander”.
Originally conceived by Amy Draper and a big hit at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Stewart Melton’s creative book playfully meanders through a series of vignettes. “There is a Whale” announces the first thing to appear on the beach and set the plot in motion.
This piece combines Scottish folklore with heart-stirring fairy tale. The musical opens with the song “The Splitting of the Island” which reflects the divide between those who will stay on the land and the others who will turn to the sea. This being folk tradition, the characters are not only human but also selkies and merpeople. A whimsical enchantment hangs in the air above the very ordinary problems faced by this maturing young woman and those surrounding her.
The nicely tuneful music and lyrics are written by Finn Anderson. They are moody and atmospheric rather than typical show tunes. What makes them extraordinarily interesting is the use of electronic looping. The two actresses who portray more than two dozen characters are not simply the vocalizers. They are also the operators of the technology which layers singing, clapping and breathing on top of each other. The audience watches the magic unfold amidst the storytelling.
Stephanie MacGaraidh and Sylvie Stenson were the performers I saw (the roles alternate with two other women every other night). Ms. Stenson’s main job is to guide Eilidh through her growth and decision making. Ms. MacGaraidh shines in many roles, notably as Gran. For those who have seen the television show Cunk on Earth, she reminded me of that host. Without ever leaving the stage, both excel at switching personas and locales in Eve Nicol’s effective staging.
The technical elements in support of this show are simple yet complex. Emma Bailey’s scenery showcases an island, its claustrophobia and hints at its edge-of-the-world inhospitableness. The lighting design by Simon Wilkinson is stunning for its simplicity and variety.
Sound Designer Sam Kusnetz makes Islander an unique theatrical experience by allowing the inputs of speech, song, sound effects and island enhancements wash over the listener. That we experience this aural feast while watching everything as it is happening is an absolute treat.
The government has offered to resettle the residents of this island. That is the device which may forever alter Kinnan. To be an Islander or not is the universal question. To experience Islanders is the imperative. This show is truly unique, wholly absorbing, often funny, dramatically realistic and, like a great day at the beach, softly soothing as the waves crash against the shoreline.
Islanders is running at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater through December 17, 2023.