The Ice Wolf
by
Joanna Halpert Kraus
The Ice
Wolf is a story about prejudice and ultimate
redemption. A fair haired, light skinned child
is born into an Eskimo village and, compelled
by superstition, the villagers ostracize her.
She is driven out of the village into the
forest, where she encounters animals and The
Wood God, whom she asks to turn her into a
wolf. Her hate is vested back upon the village
and, in the end, the villagers and The Ice Wolf
turn a confrontation into an ultimate
realization.
'Wolf' in sheep's clothing
by Lisa Ann Williamson
Sundog Theatre's new production is aimed at young audiences -- but it tackles grown-up topics with skill
It's impossible not to feel Anatou's pain and want to protect her. The girl-turned-wolf has fought since she was a child, just for the most basic kindnesses. But they are hard to come by for a fair-haired girl-child in an Eskimo village struggling to survive.
Sundog Theatre's production of "The Ice Wolf" at Wagner's Stage One effectively explores her pain and attempt to escape it and really comes to life once she makes her transition from girl to wolf with wonderful moments along the way in the compelling story.
Alexandra Grossi and Joel Halstead as the lovers Anatou and Tarto
In about 90 minutes, with a 10-minute intermission, we are taken on journey into two kingdoms -- one animal and one human. After a slightly awkward start, the play takes hold, leaving one with the realization that the wild is far more humane than its civilized counterpart.
The Joanna Halpert Kraus play is based on the Native American legend of Anatou (played by Brooklynite Alexandra Grossi), a girl who was born with fair skin and eyes to the Eskimo village of olive-skinned, dark-haired people who are convinced that this child is a curse from the gods. They then accuse her of everything from the inability to find food to murdering her own parents.
We never meet her father and the only explanation in the story is that perhaps he was lost while out hunting. Her mother keeps her sheltered, mostly as a protection from villagers who demanded that she put the baby out in the snow shortly after birth.
Grossi is strong as Anatou, the village scapegoat who must constantly defend her looks and her humanity. Joel Halstead is focused and tender as Tarto, her only friend. Tarto loves Anatou, but still struggles to understand why she looks different and feels that somehow she could speak a spell to undo her looks and the lack of food in the village. The two share a very tender and believable moment as they look toward the future.
Other show standouts include Belle Burr as the twisting, contorted Wood Goddess, and Michelle Van Schyndel as the raven. Director Susan Guthrie has also assembled an able ensemble of children and adults called upon to play multiple characters, orchestrating phenomenal transitions throughout.
Grossi has some fine moments as "The Ice Wolf."
Belle Burr as the Wood Goddess tells Alexandra Grossi as Anatou the perils of her decision
The entire creative team offers elements to enhance the show. Anne Young's costumes transport you to the arctic. Marilyn Haskel has composed some compelling tribal music which fits beautifully into the context of the play.
"The Ice Wolf" not only serves to expose one to an Eskimo legend that holds up the detriment of hate and fear, but on the pages of the program is an explanation of a central piece of Jon Young's set design, called the inuksuk.
At first glance, the piece looks like a facsimile of Stonehenge, but it is actually fashioned after the human physique with a head, arms and legs formed out of stones. This, as the program outlines, is a guidance tradition for centuries among the Inuit people.
Throughout the show, which continues through Sunday, you hope for a change of heart in villagers who spew hate toward "the fair one." The parallels with modern life are so palpable, one wishes for them -- and for our collective selves -- that forgiveness and redemption comes. You might even secretly hope for the storybook ending where Anatou and Tarto skip off into the forest together. Perhaps the wood goddess will hear your prayers.
THE ICE WOLF Presented by Sundog Theatre Inc.
When Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.
Where Wagner College's Stage One Theater, adjacent to the sports field on Howard Avenue on the Grymes Hill Campus
Michelle
Van Schyndel and Noura Jost dance as
mother & her unusually fair daughter in
"The Ice Wolf"
Belle Burr
as Wood Goddess completes
Alexandra Grossi's transformation to
wolf
Joel
Halstead as Tarto is torn
between the villagers and his
heart
Hunters Diane
Fisher Flores, Eric Petillo, Joel Halstead,
Michelle Van Schyndel, and Ted Lochwyn search
for the wolf