Many poets seek to answer life’s greatest and most profound questions, but when Max Ritvo is facing down death, even he isn’t sure how to put his feelings into words any longer. Based on the book by Sarah Ruhl and Max Ritvo, Letters from Max, a ritual is the heartbreakingly beautiful story of a professor and student whose friendship buoys them through one of the most difficult times of Max’s life. Brilliantly directed by Alan Dilworth, Letters from Max, a ritual moves not only your heart, but also your mind.
Letters from Max, a ritual is an epistolary play; I’ve read plenty an epistolary novel in my time, but to have a play be predominantly correspondence for the conversation was a totally unique and fascinating experience. These are real letters, emails, poems, and phone calls which Ruhl and Ritvo exchanged during their friendship. They take us from Ritvo applying to be in Ruhl’s playwriting seminar through years of hardship, illness, and yet often joy, through to when Ritvo simply can’t write any longer. Throughout they discuss philosophical matters like death, the afterlife, and how to survive until then. What inspired me the most about this story is the focus on love; that love is the answer to so many of these large questions and that love can come in so many different forms. Letters from Max, a ritual is poignant on so many levels, and that love is what shines through throughout the entire production.
I was very taken with this story, and it certainly brought tears to my eyes in several moments throughout the performance. When I was in graduate school, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, so like Max, I made sure to email my professors, let them know what was happening and that extensions might be occasionally required. Like Max, I found solace and security in my work, and came to rely on my colleagues and professors for a sense of stability amongst the chaos. It was a difficult enough time merely being the caregiver of someone who was ill, I cannot fathom being in Max’s shoes. I am grateful to this day for the people in my life who, like Sarah Ruhl did for Max, made a difficult time easier by showing their love and concern for me and my family.
The simplicity of the set design was perfectly fitting for this production. It allowed the stage to be anywhere and everywhere that Max and Sarah needed to be writing from or meeting up. I really enjoyed the projections they used for certain moments as well; they added a beautiful visual element to dreams or powerful lines of poetry. The simplicity of the design allows the audience to put our full focus on the fantastic performers.
Masterfully bringing Sarah Ruhl and Max Ritvo to life are Maev Beaty and Jesse LaVercombe. Their passion and compassion for these characters come through in every moment of their performances. Beaty has such a strong stage presence and her kindness and empathy radiate from her character throughout the production. LaVercombe brings a perfect haughtiness and bravado to Ritvo which is later replaced by an aching fear and longing. I imagine it must be intimidating, in a way, to take on these characters; Ruhl is still alive and to play Ritvo is to pay tribute to someone’s memory. Both situations come with a gravitas which was not lost on me as an audience member, but rather left me even more impressed by the performances I witnessed as the entire production was handled with grace and love.
Necessary Angel Theatre Company has created a lovely experience in the gallery outside the Franco Boni Theatre as well, where you can write a letter to a loved one, and they’ll pay for the postage to send that letter off. When you go to see Letters from Max, a ritual, I hope you take the time to write a letter, and spread some love; you never know whose day you’ll make with a little bit of snail mail!
Letters from Max, a ritual shows the beauty of language, art, love, and friendship in the face of life’s most terrifying moments. You won’t want to miss out on this stunning show. The production runs at The Theatre Centre until December 3rd. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.necessaryangel.com/letters-from-max
Cover photo of Maev Beaty and Jesse LaVercombe by Dahlia Katz.
Thank you to my Patrons:
B. Kinnon, D. Moyes, D. Nelson
And to my supporters who’ve bought me a coffee:
Angelica and Paul
Would you like to become a Patron? Check out my Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator
A View from the Box 