From the moment Catalyst Theatre artistic director Jonathan Christenson, imagined The Invisible – Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare, the big question was, “What would you be ready to lay down your life for?”
When Catalyst first mounted The Invisible on Edmonton stages in February 2020, the theme was hypothetical. However, today as the world sits on the precipice of a potential global war, it is very real.
Once again, Catalyst remounts this thought-provoking wartime musical at the Eva O. Howard Theatre at Victoria School of Performing Arts from Sept. 26 to Oct. 5.
Based on true events, The Invisible is set during the Second World War when Britain appears to be losing to the Nazi war machine. British male spies infiltrate France’s occupied territories. However, since most French males are fighting in the trenches, the British spies are quickly discovered and detained.
London’s Special Operations Executives (SOE) takes drastic measures and recruits seven female spies who can more easily blend in without suspicion. Their missions are guerrilla terrorism – blowing up trains and bridges.
Christenson, whose mission is to promote Canadian theatre, felt the need to ask serious questions because of the shifting political climate.
“The question felt pressing. As things started to look less stable and a sense of polarization increased and intense destabilization made us stop and think where we were going,” said Christenson, who wrote the script, composed the songs and directed the musical.
“We were asking the question, ‘What do you believe in and how far are you prepared to go?’ We see the rise of the far-right wing fascist parties. We’re all under the illusion the world can’t blow up. But what if it does? As impossible as it sounds, what we once thought impossible is now possible,” Christenson said.
The former St. Albert resident’s goal was to create an ensemble piece of shifting dialogue where each character gives their different backstories to align with their unique cultural heritage.
Evelyn Ash is based on the real-life Vera Atkins, an assistant at SOE tasked with finding spies and training them.
“She is a very proud, very private woman who has fought hard to quietly create a space for the women. She has faced defiance and struggles with her own sense of responsibilities.”
Szarlotta is a Polish resistance fighter, a fearless rebel and a risk taker with a huge heart. Betty is a Cree nurse raised in residential schools and is angry at the occupation of her land. Dorothy is an educated, dominating presence who is often overlooked and wishes to serve. Jacqueline simply wishes to avenge her husband’s death
“Each woman loses the luxury to pursue their own journey. And each journey is mixed with struggles and triumph,” Christenson said noting they are working in a male-defined world where male voices are malevolent.
“It’s interesting to see how they navigate different challenges and work together even more effectively and share in the collective ideal for freedom.
“It’s a really great piece of work and the cast gives us an incredible performance. It’s a beautifully designed show and it tells an impactful story. And if you like musicals, it’s meatier than a lot of musicals and gives lots of bite.”
Ticket prices range from $27 to $52. Visit catalysttheatreca.
