Mercury Players’ season opener, The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble, is a powerful, heart-tugging, darkly funny play that tackles two very difficult subjects. Written by award winning Canadian playwright Beth Graham and directed by Lake Cowichan’s Erin Butler, it’s a story that is playing out in many homes across the country and you may recognize yourself in one of the characters.
The vivacious, recently widowed Bernice Trimble has summoned her three children to a “family meeting” and, before serving her famous everything-that’s-bad-for-you-casserole, calmly announces that she has early-onset Alzheimer’s. Bombshell dropped! Thinking back, Grandma had dementia too. So who’s next? As the siblings contemplate life without their matriarchal centre, things fall apart. Old tribal patterns emerge and Mom must play peacemaker.
Sarah, who is headstrong and histrionic, immediately calls for a second opinion and Peter, who is introverted and accepting, happily dodges all conflict. Middle child, Iris, is caught up in a whirlwind of emotions, while trying to support her Mom. Bernice, still up for a good laugh, is finally ready to put herself first, while protecting her children from what she knows is coming.
This play, which was short-listed for a 2015 Governor General’s award, pulls no punches but shows us, through relatable characters and some really funny moments, how we can and do deal with situations we don’t want.
Warning: Mature themes and strong language.
The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble runs October 5, 6, 12, and 13 at 7:30 pm and October 7, 8 and 14 at 2:30 pm at the Duncan United Church Heritage Hall at 246 Ingram Street. Doors open 1/2 hour before show time. Ticket are $25 General Admission and $20 Seniors/Students and are available at Ten Old Books or online at eventbrite.ca or www.mercuryplayers.org