Combat is a play that creates an interesting correlation between a battlefield and an office workplace.  It deals with a subject matter that nearly anyone can relate to – workplace conflicts and relationships. Adding the comparison to a battlefield allows war to become easily accessible by the common person who would not have considered it before.

It plays at the Theatre Centre and considering the small size of the venue, elements such as lighting and set design are imperative in pushing the play to the next level.

At times I found it a little hard to focus on important aspects of the play because the venue was small, and the audience and stage were close together.

The use of toy soldiers was a great visual parallel – at times I had wished the toy soldiers were as large as the actors. I would have also preferred a different style of lighting to emphasize the relationships between the characters.

The acting is fantastic, and there is a great overarching theme and concept in this play. It certainly makes you think about the gravity of war as well as the menial issues in our lives that appear to be so grand.

Details:

Combat plays at Theatre Centre (1087 Queen West)

Showtimes:
Saturday August 6th 10:00 PM
Tuesday August 9th 10:00 PM
Thursday August 11th 7:30 PM
Friday August 12th 5:00 PM
Sunday August 14th 5:00 PM

– All individual SummerWorks tickets are $15 at the door (cash only). Tickets are available online at www.artsboxoffice.ca, by phone at 416.504.7529, in person at at the Arts Box Office (located at Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave., One block North East of Bathurst & Queen W. M-F 12PM-7PM, Weekends 10AM-8PM) (Advance tickets are $15 +HST and $1 service fee)

– Several money-saving passes are available if you plan to see at least 3 shows