Reviews and comments:
Leslie Barcza (Barcza Blog): “You will laugh, you will cry, and you will certainly enjoy The Woods are Dark and Deep… The debut of Mladen’s play is an event. (The music) was done right… performed by people onstage… with authenticity. I don’t know Serbian culture, I only know that when someone onstage is singing and half the audience joins in, it’s profoundly stirring. The strengths of the cast come at you from all sides at every moment. Some of that is likely the writing, some of that is the performances. (The) director Sandra Cardinal… made it all flow, kept it cohesive. ”
Nina Kaye (writer, producer): “An important historical moment made vividly alive and poignant. Excellent writing, acting, directing, producing – lovely in the details of costume, music, set… “
Vesna Nedic (Serbian magazine SAN Editor): (after sending the cast and crew a cake for the closing night): “This was a symbolical expression of our congratulations and encouragement! I was impressed with the script, acting, scene, directing. Everything was artistically balanced well, created by a very talented group of people. I hope to see this play performed more throughout Canada.”
Kimberley Wells (actor): “Do yourself a favour and see The Woods are Dark and Deep before it closes. It’s an important story about Canada, her history and the ‘other’ experience. Beautifully staged, written and performed. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you won’t be able to take your eyes off the stage.”
Violeta Dimitrijevic (Vidohvat, a culture blog in Serbian Language): “A show that draws emotions, asks questions and demands awareness… Every aspect of the show needs special recognition: from acting to set design, children’s performances, smoky scent of the forest, birds’ chirping in the background, the emotional love story, petty anger outbursts, to vocal numbers that deserve particular regard.”
Jenn Norman (Mooney on Theatre): At a time when our media is flooded with news reports on atrocities, political scandals, and war from our nation’s allies, it is easy to forget that Canada has a grim history of its own. The Woods are Dark and Deep is a reminder of what we must atone for, and how the actions of past generations linger today.
Although this production sheds light onto some hard-to-swallow truths, playwright Mladen Obradovic chooses not to brutalize his audience. He instead focuses on the sense of hope and togetherness that helped prisoners endure their harsh living conditions.
Passion is certainly this performance’s backbone, though… The personal pride this team feels in telling their forefather’s story is remarkable. Where this is most evident in the folk songs performed throughout the work. Under the leadership of vocal coach Kristina Bijelic, the music completes this story’s soaring, bittersweet emotional spectrum.
I appreciated the dry wit and jocular tone of this show most of all. More than merely providing comic relief, the use of clever wordplay and staging better illustrated the reality of the situation.
Among the men at work is Oleksa (performed with stunning sensitivity by Ratko Todorovic), a gentle giant rendered mute following an accident and representing those rendered voiceless by politics and history.
Although this tale goes dark places and even its triumphs are somber, it imparts worthwhile knowledge and leaves us not with shame for past transgressions, but empowerment to do better.”
Draga (Diane) Dragasevic (TPL, whose research inspired this show): What a huge undertaking- a play that was filled with every emotion possible in an impossible situation. The desperation was clearly felt, the impact of the isolation, the struggles, and yet the gentle side of life – the love story subplot – offers a note of hope. “Tamo daleko” brought us all to tears. It was wonderful.”
Dr. Marinel Mendres (a historian, an expert on the topic of Canadian internment camps): “Well done! The script is historically accurate, the characters are representative of internment experiences, and the cast’s performances are extraordinary. Sincere thanks to all for their interpretations of this tragic and nearly forgotten episode of Canadian history. Highly recommended; educational and entertaining.”
Stan Mandarich (whose grandfather had a role in liberating Serbs from internment camps): “I was very impressed with the quality of research it took to create the play and the young actors who were not Serbian but spoke and sang so well in Serbian. Beautiful references to Lika.”
Sachiko Kometani (Consulate General of Japan in Toronto): It was a very moving performance. I truly enjoyed it. It reminded me of our Japanese early immigrants who were forced into the internment camp. Though the history is sad, performance was not sad, it was full of hope.”
Audience reactions:
“Absolutely brilliantly executed. Smart, witty and intelligent. An attention grabber from start to finish. Transcends boundaries of time, generations and geographies. A must see for all ages. Thoroughly deep yet entertaining. Leaves you breathless, thinking and teary-eyed.”
“Wonderful play, excellent performance. Bravo! Thank you for bringing out the era of the unknown Canadian history and pay tribute to many unknown individuals, giving them a voice. It took only 100 years, but its better late, than never.”
“Hauntingly beautiful.”
“What a fantastic show!!!! Thoroughly enjoyed it!”
“A very powerful piece of Canadian drama. Thank you (M. Obradović) for discovering, writing and producing this important work.”
“This show makes me want to go to the theatre more often!”
“Everyone should see this show.”
“One of the best (shows) I have seen recently. Great work, everything was amazing.”
“Bravo! Incredible performance. Wonderful staging… I am happy to see this excellent production here in Toronto.”