Vivienne Powell (Photo by Rupert Thorpe)
Reviewed by Madison Mellon
Zephyr Theatre
Through November 10
The first page of the program for Diva: The Play includes a quote by HG Wells: “Nothing a human heart has loved will ever be lost”. This idea is at the core of Diva, a new play currently running at Zephyr Theatre. It is a story that centers on themes of memory, loss, and rediscovery. Ultimately, it is a quiet character study that is often touching and effective — but it is also a show that still seems to be struggling to find its purpose.
Diva follows the life of world-renowned Australian opera singer Louisa McCrae (Vivienne Powell). As she unpacks a suitcase filled with items, she is transported back in time and relives significant memories from her past. With her mind and memories fading, she works to put the pieces back together and recall a life full of grief, triumphs, and love.
Powell, who both wrote and stars, is an engaging performer, who portrays Louisa with a great deal of empathy and understated regalness. She also has an excellent voice, and the incorporation of opera music throughout the piece (both through live singing and recorded music) is one of the production’s strongest elements. Overall, her performance carries the play, and it is clear that this is a deeply personal story and a labor of love.
The structure of the piece is clear and strong, with each item in Louisa’s suitcase spurring her to reflect on a period of her life as she acts out various scenes and characters. It would have been interesting to explore different ways of transitioning through the various memories — the cycle of Louisa unpacking an item, triggering a memory, and revisiting a scene from her past does begin to feel repetitive. That said, it is still an effective framing device and provides a clear window into Louisa’s world.
Where the piece might really be strengthened is in its conclusion. While Louisa is a compelling character, it remains somewhat unclear what she gains or learns by taking this trip through her memories. It is heartwarming, and often heartbreaking, to see her reflect on her family, her career, and the challenges she has overcome. However, the impact this journey has on her could be clarified. How do these memories change her? Does reliving them prompt some sort of realization or catharsis? Delving deeper into these questions would allow for a more satisfying resolution.
The production design (Kim A. Dolman) is simple and functional. One issue: It does not become completely clear where the play is taking place until near the end, and it does feel as though bolder design choices could have been made to either establish location or create a more abstract world of memories. Sound (designed by Nova Meza) is integral to the piece and is very well utilized, from voices Louisa conjures up to recordings of opera music. The soundscape goes a long way in creating a cohesive world and atmosphere.
Diva has the makings of an interesting and intimate character study, even if the threads of Louisa’s memories do not quite come together to form an impactful resolution.
Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. Fri.-Sat., 8 pm; Sun., 2 pm & 7 pm; thru Nov. 10. https://www.zephyrtheatre.com/nowplaying Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission.
