Sledgehammer artistic director Kirsten Brandt takes pen in hand again, this time to create Berzerkergang. Known for her directorial accomplishments, Brandt turned the direction of her latest work over to Michael Severance and Jessa Watson.
Berzerkergang is inspired by Wagner's Der Ring Des Nibelungen, Snorri Sturluson's "The Poetic & Prose Eddas," "The Volsungasaga," and "The Niberlungenlied." The story pits the gods versus all others, power versus the weak, corporate magnates versus workers, and classical theater versus contemporary society. Finally, the power of love appears to be in conflict with almost everybody.
Ruff Yeager is masterful as Wotan, and Nicole Monica quietly plays his wife Fricka, Goddess of Marriage. Monica also plays Gutrune. Laura Lee Juliano dynamically portrays Brunhilde. Janet Hayatshiha is Erda, mother of the daughters known as the Valkyries. Beside Brunhilde, the other Valkyries are portrayed by Kati Behumi, Julianne Eggold, and Kim Strassburger. The cast, who often play multiple roles, also includes Chris Hatcher, Sean Jeffries, Sara Plaisted, Brennan Taylor, David Tierney, and Jason Waller.
The dynamics of the story, for those of us not that well versed in Wagner and Sturluson, are occasionally confusing, but the characters are clear. This is a solid production, placed on a steeply raked stage with a two-story backdrop consisting of three doors on two levels bordered by interesting side panels that offer a change of scene simply by changes from front to back lighting. The scenic design is credited to Michael Severance and David Lee Cuthbert, with Cuthbert also doing the lighting. Cuthbert, always highly creative with his lighting, builds in many special effects and dramatic overhead lighting. The sound design of Jeff Mockus creates surrealistic music and effects as well as contemporary pop music and classical underscoring. His "Ride of the Valkyries," for example, is scored for accordion and pizzicato strings. Costumer Corey Johnston creates a dual look in many roles. Wotan dresses in a business suit overlaid with heavy Scandinavian robes.
Directors Michael Severance and Jessa Watson have craft an interesting and challenging production. Credit also should be given to stage manager Rosalee Barrientos, who somehow keeps her cast on track. Their exits and entrances include trenches, doors, wings, and even a trapdoor.
Berzerkergang is challenging and moves rapidly. It pays to read the program notes, so get to the theater a few minutes early.
