A couple of nights ago I had the opportunity to see Axis Theatre’s new production of The Number 14 at the Waterfront Theatre in Vancouver. Originally conceived sixteen years ago by a dynamic group of artists in Vancouver The Number 14 has transcended time and place with productions across North America and, I believe, around the world.
What a delight to watch this play. Its unique blend of dance, comedy, caricature, monologue and acrobatics makes for a wild ride on the bus. And I’m still thinking about the choreography and the mask work. The masks are particularly interesting because they make you focus on the rest of the body to interpret a character. And this cast has nailed the body-talk nuances of both young and old.
If, like me, you never had the pleasure of riding the real #14 imagine a bus route that takes you from the down and out section of town through the downtown business district and ends in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Canada. The Number 14 takes you on that ride morning and night.
Bravo to Director Wayne Specht and the company of this delightful show.