-by Terri Hope
As I see it, the title underscores the essential meaning of this play. Whose Life is it Anyway? Does the medical profession have the right to declare that one cannot be 'sane' and wish to die at the same time?
The lead character, Claire, is a middle aged woman who has been in a catastrophic car accident. After five months of treatment in hospital, the doctors have been able to 'save her'. Her broken ribs, leg bones, punctured lung, etc. have all healed. But Claire is a quadriplegic, and in spite of much soul searching on her part, a sharp wit and fierce intelligence, still sincerely wants to die.
The young resident doctor believes that she is sane, and has the right to refuse treatment. If she exercises this right, she will die. Claire is able to convince a young lawyer to take her case and argue her rights before a judge. But the older, more experienced, more traditional head of the ICU decides to declare her incompetent under the Mental Health Act, thereby denying her the right to die as she wishes.A trial, held in the hospital room, ensues.
Kudos to Director Shirley Holmes for tackling a very controversial, complex and difficult issue, and for supporting this with excellent actors and sets. The crew used the stage in a very creative and relevant way, placing the bed centre-stage, and the offices and nursing stations in surrounding spaces.
The script was adapted from the original British play, to better reflect the realities in 2016 Ontario. I felt that ethically, the play leaned to the 'side' of permitting a patient the right of self-determination, while exposing the audience to the rationales and tough arguments of those who would oppose.
Congratulations to Director, Shirley Holmes, lead actor Corry Lapointe, and the rest of the cast and crew, for providing Owen Sound with a thought provoking, actually funny, and terrific theatre experience.
