By Eva Trieger in Poway, California
The Ten Commandments appear in the Torah twice, in Exodus and Deuteronomy. They are intended to provide the framework for leading an ethical life and one that will cement the covenant between G-d and man.
However, for Lizzie Borden, of Fall River, Massachusetts, the Fifth Commandment proved troublesome. This young woman did not honor her mother and father. Quite the opposite is true.
PowPac’s current show, Lizzie, combines an historic tale with a rock opera. This show initially premiered off-Broadway in 2009. The show did not make it to Broadway as written, however, the original concept was conceived by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Tim Maner. The book and music provide a provocative retelling of the murders of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Borden.
Abby Borden, Lissie’s stepmother, did little to engender the love or respect of her stepdaughters or house servant. She was said to be demanding and self-serving. There was a strong suggestion that she wanted to usurp her husband’s wealth, keeping it from Andrew’s daughters.
Under the brilliant direction of PowPac’s Steven Murdock, the four actors offered intimate perspectives of their characters’ roles in this brutal event. This production strongly supposes sexual abuse initiated by Andrew Borden and suggests that a lesbian relationship existed between Lizzie (Emmy Farese) and her nearest neighbor, Alice (Dani Guinn). Lizzie’s sister, Emma (Retta Karpinski) and the housemaid, Bridget (Jamie Feinstein) round out the cast with uniquely critical roles. No matter how you slice it…Lizzie did not have respect for her mother or father. And who could blame her?
The music offered a very new perspective to this show, and the lyrics shared by the actors, definitely enhanced the story line. While it is not an easy show to sit through, the discomfort is intentional and serves a purpose. Lizzie Borden’s life was not comfortable and the audience experiences that.
This show is a brave undertaking for PowPac because its loud, abrasive delivery may scare off some patrons. However, the acting is sincere, and the story may be very close to the truly historic events. In 1892 we didn’t possess the same technology. Today’s DNA evidence is compelling, and through videocams, fingerprinting etcetera, we can locate criminals. Not so in the nineteenth century.
PowPac has delivered a show that challenges us on many levels. What is ethical? What is truth? How valuable is honoring one’s parents, especially if they were abusive? Does the Fifth Commandment apply to parents who are unfit?
Lizzie runs through October 11th and tickets may be purchased online at www.PowPAC.org or by phone at 858.679.8085.
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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in the arts.