Canary Gold @ C

Since the 2008 recession there have been many dramatic narratives surrounding it, be they theatrical, comedic or other. Few however will have linked the current economic misfortune with the Elizabethan age. Bob Drake is a broke investment broker, peddling an expensive wine as a last gasp at financial stability, however the pricey beverage once owned by Thomas Jefferson may not be all that it seems. Paralleling this is the story of how the wine originally came into the possession of the former American president. 

Théâtre Sans Frontières and Teatro Tamaska’s joint production has a lot of promise. The premise, flitting between the 16^th century and contemporary society, offers much scope for comparisons between the literal pirates of the seas and the modern day buccaneers of the economy. To an extent this is explored, one particular scene of inflating insurance selling captures the flagrant disregard for customer wellbeing, if it means increased personal profit. The staging is inventively engaging and the costumes too are a highlight. Elizabeth I’s spectacular ensemble in particular, helps to transport the audience back in time. However, the continual blackouts in order to shift the admittedly notable set, interrupt the flow of the piece, elongating the already stretched out plot to the point of tedium. There’s also so much exposition that most of the drama seems to have been replaced by an elaborated history lesson. Coupled with performances for which the effort far outweighs the skill, the whole production is disappointingly lumbering and clunky.