“A confident, assured direction by Sophie Gee makes Chloé Hung’s script a memorable Québec premiere. Solid performances create a memorable afternoon or evening at the theatre.”
The Québec premiere of Chloé Hung’s ‘Three Women of Swatow’ presents a story of Chinese intergenerational female trauma. Due to its intense and graphic content, it’s still challenging to watch and may even be difficult to endure during a second viewing. However, I was eager to experience it again. The production at Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre featured three strong artists, and I wanted to see how the performers in Montréal would compare to their predecessors.
These ladies do Hung’s script proud.
Shiong-En Chen, Qianna MacGilchrist, and Julie Tamiko Manning deliver impressive on stage work at Montréal’s Centaur Theatre. Their nuanced portrayals are distinctly different from those in the Toronto production. However, the ‘ferocious comedy’ label that describes the Toronto version equally applies to this impressive Québec premiere.
“Swatow” explores the complexities of Chinese family dynamics and intergenerational trauma from a female perspective. Sophie Gee, the director of this production in Montreal, bravely highlights these themes through her ensemble cast. In her Director’s Note, she discusses how memories and trauma can be inherited from ancestors through DNA, a concept she learned about in an Arrivals Legacy Project workshop.
I find this revelation fascinating and had no knowledge this could happen.
On opening night, the trio ensemble of performers received a well-deserved standing ovation. The ladies took the audience on an unforgettable journey filled with absurdity, ferocity, humor, ghastliness, and plenty of blood.
‘Swatow’ involves three women: Mother (Shiong-En Chen), Daughter (Qianna MacGilchrist), and Grandmother (Julie Tamiko Manning). There is a toughness and fierceness within the Grandmother’s character. She was a butcher for many years and wants to pass those skills to her Daughter and Granddaughter. For some reason, Daughter lives with Grandmother as she is finding it difficult to live at home with Mother and abusive Father. Daughter has left a portentous message on Grandmother’s phone. There is also a sense of toughness about the Daughter. She speaks her mind and has strong opinions on issues.
Let’s not forget what keeps this family horrifically connected—inherited intergenerational trauma issues as the playwright shares in her Progamme Note.
Diana Uribe’s split-level set effectively engages the audience’s interest. Paul Chambers’ lighting design stays intriguingly dark throughout the performance, intensifying the horror as the true events unfold. Jessica Poirier-Chang’s costumes clearly reflect each individual’s character traits. I recall the serene way the actors performed Tai Chi in the Toronto production, and the same was evident on opening night at the Centaur. Phi Nguyen’s movement work is distinctive; it showcases the women moving in harmony with the music.
Sophie Gee directs with confidence and clarity in her vision to tell the story of intergenerational trauma. Chen, MacGilchrist, and Tamiko Manning deliver sharp, cutting commentary that initially makes me laugh, but knowing what lies ahead for the family leaves me feeling uneasy. The performers maintain a scrappy, aggressive, and wild energy, and their ability to control this fierce aspect of their characters is one of the reasons to see the show.
Final Thoughts: For the Tarragon production, I concluded in my review the production was a tad disturbing and often comical in how Chinese women deal with the inherited traumas in their respective families.
For this Québec premiere, I’m switching things up. The Montréal ‘Three Women of Swatow’ is often disturbing and a tad comical.
It’s still good theatre, but just go in with your eyes wide open.
Running time: approximately 90 minutes with no interval/intermission.
‘Three Women of Swatow’ runs until November 24 at the Centaur Theatre, 453 St. Francois Xavier, Montréal, Québec. For tickets: centaurtheatre.com or call the Box Office (514) 288-3161.
CENTAUR THEATRE COMPANY presents the Québec premiere of
‘THREE WOMEN OF SWATOW’ by Chloé Hung
Directed by Sophie Gee
Set Designer: Diana Uribe
Costume Designer: Jessica Poirier-Chang
Lighting Designer: Paul Chambers
Sound Designer: Christine Lee
Stage Manager: Elyse Quesnel
Performers: Shiong-En Chen, Qianna MacGilchrist, Julie Tamiko Manning.
