Ten minutes. In the grand scheme of things, ten minutes isn’t a very long time. But for Vic, ten minutes feels like a lifetime. Chelsea Woolley’s Enormity, Girl, and the Earthquake in Her Lungs, directed by the incomparable Andrea Donaldson, explores the inner workings of our minds, and how that affects every aspect of our lives through Vic and her thoughts. Powerful, moving, and at times quite funny, Enormity, Girl, and the Earthquake in Her Lungs is a show you bear witness to, not simply observe.

Vic finds herself in a room at a women’s shelter. She’s been asked to do three tasks: change into some new clothes, make her bed, and then come out and begin her intake session. Almost immediately, Vic begins to spiral; trying desperately to ground herself in these new and unfamiliar surroundings. As she does, the different elements of thought which have been going through her mind suddenly appear before her. These corporeal manifestations of her thoughts try to persuade her to do various things: to stay at the shelter, to “rebrand” and try again, to fight back against the people who’ve hurt her, or to go back to those people as if nothing’s ever happened. Vic tries desperately to string together the series of events which have motivated her to come here, yet with each memory is a flood of emotions, some of those giving clarity, others muddying the waters further. As the time ticks on, Vic knows she has to make a choice, but what will she choose?

Woolley’s text manifests the way our thoughts and emotions can function, with beautiful accuracy. For the most part these ideas and feelings are different, each one with their own objectives and desires. Yet they also frequently combine with one another when they recognize a similarity in their paths, making it more difficult for Vic to negotiate with them. Some of them frequently join forces, while others remain singularly fighting for dominance over Vic, for her to choose their solution over the others to solve her current predicament. This process feels so familiar, despite Vic’s situation being uniquely hers. The way our emotions can team up on us and each have a litany of evidence as to why their point of view is correct, can be a daily struggle. Despite a great deal of difficult subject matter, it’s dealt with in such a way which is very validating.

Ting – Huan 挺歡 Christine Urquhart’s set design is simple yet effective; the forced perspective walls and looming door make for a perfect backdrop upon which Raha Javanfar’s light design gets to play. Amanda Wong’s costume design shows intriguing links between the characters via the colours of their ensembles, with blues and purples (interestingly also the colours of bruises) being worn by each character.

Vivien Endicott-Douglas helms the cast as Vic. She gives a truly tour-de-force performance which left me speechless. Liz Der’s Ward lives up to her name, and Der gives her character a conviction and presence which is impossible to ignore. Philippa Domville gives an energetic and emotional performance as Lull. Domville’s performances always give the feeling like she’s truly going all out, and this is no exception. Bria McLaughlin’s Ago is a beautiful tribute to the younger self which lives inside us. I loved the spirit which McLaughlin brings to this role. Sofía Rodríguez’s Grind is the most ferocious of the group; they give their character such passion and gusto which Vic definitely needs. Emerjade Simms’ Sham brings the party to Vic’s consciousness and the vitality to boot! Though it was difficult to watch someone get left hanging that many times without being able to intervene. Finally, Marta Armstrong is an adorable Daisy; her sweetness is a clear reminder of the inner child we should all be nurturing.

Enormity, Girl, and the Earthquake in Her Lungs asks us to witness it with open hearts, and to understand that none of us are so far removed from Vic and her situation. However, what I love the most about Enormity is the hope that you feel at the end; though you’ve witnessed some of the worst memories in this young woman’s life, there’s the promise of healing to come.

Enormity, Girl, and the Earthquake in Her Lungs runs at the Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre until October 5. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.nightwoodtheatre.net/enormity-girl-and-the-earthquake-in-her-lungs/

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Cover Photo: The cast of Enormity, Girl, and the Earthquake in Her Lungs. Photo by Dahlia Katz.

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You can listen to my conversation with director Andrea Donaldson here: https://aviewfromthebox.net/a-view-from-the-box-the-podcast/

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