When was the last time you grabbed a stone or two walking along the beach or on a hike? Jani Lauzon has been collecting stones her whole life, and with them the stories they hold about our Earth. Her solo show Prophecy Fog is a transformative tale about life, the stories we tell, and which ones get lost in the fog that is modern communication. Directed by Franco Boni, Prophecy Fog is engaging and poignant from the first moment to the last; it is a moving experience you won’t want to miss.

To attempt to define or describe Prophecy Fog is almost impossible; it’s not so much a traditional play and more of a story-telling circle. While Lauzon does tell us the story of the journey she took with her daughter to the Mojave Desert to see Giant Rock, the story is interspersed with memories from childhood and video/audio of family and friends. We learn not only about Giant Rock, but about Lauzon and her connection to her family and people and how these stones which she treasures so dearly factor into it all. Immersive and intriguing, Lauzon is easily able to hold us for the seventy-five minutes; to be honest, I could have sat there all night listening to more stories of her childhood, fascinating indigenous legends, and adventures out in the desert.

Prophecy Fog is also about how the stories we tell get changed and disfigured over time; how something untrue can be manipulated and then shared widely enough that it becomes truth, or erased all together. She talks about these Hopi Prophecies she learned when she was younger and how much she admired them, and then how they actually turned out to be twisted tales from other cultures sold as prophecy. Yet on the other hand there were indigenous markings and artwork painted on Giant Rock which have been covered over by generations of graffiti. In both cases, the actual truth and initial meaning have been obscured and that distorted version taken as reality.

The Coal Mine Theatre has once again transformed itself to host this marvellous production. Prophecy Fog is performed in the round, with part of the audience sitting on padded benches and the rest in a larger circle on chairs behind them. Above our heads is a large circular screen where projections are played throughout the performance. This intimate and meaningful setting makes it all the more easy to lose yourself in the majesty of what you’re witnessing.

Jani Lauzon is an enchanting performer; every word, every movement feels both perfectly choreographed and yet entirely natural. I especially loved when she shows off her more unique stones; the genuine excitement and joy which radiates from her is infectious. To share such a personal journey as the one she took to Giant Rock with her daughter, as well as using this as an opportunity to teach and hold ceremony, is such a great feat, but you can tell that her whole self and her passion are being given to this performance.

I’m so thankful that I was able to see Prophecy Fog; this is truly unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. You won’t want to miss this truly incredible experience. Currently running until December 10th, Prophecy Fog will open your mind and your heart to the beauty around us. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.coalminetheatre.com/prophecy-fog

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Cover photo of Jani Lauzon by Dahlia Katz

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