Carried Away on the Crest of a Wave

Kawa Ada and Richard Lee in David Yee's Carried Away on the Crest of a Wave. Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann.

In the early hours of December 26, 2004, the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia was hit by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake. Close on the heels of the quake was a devastating tsunami that claimed the lives of more than 200,000 people, and is considered one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. The earthquake caused a rupture more than 600 miles long, which is one of many observations made in David Yee's Carried Away on the Crest of a Wave, a production that explores the ripple effect of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami on the lives of many. Now playing at Tarragon Theatre, this unique production is a series of short, individual stories united by tragedy.

With a noticeable foot of water on the stage, and the air slightly warmer than usual, the Tarragon Theatre Mainspace has been transformed into a different climate. On the wet, warm stage, the audience meets a series of very different characters: Two brothers sit on the roof of their home as it floats in the ocean; a Catholic priest and a scientist argue over a potential miracle that happened at a basilica and saved its faithful parishioners; a radio DJ attempts to make sense of the death toll from a recent massive natural disaster, and woman in Utah bakes a pie in a home that she shared with a husband and son years earlier. All of these individual stories, some based on fact and some purely fictional, are interconnected in that each character has been, in some way, directly affected by the 2004 tsunami. Each different thread is tied to a common experience, weaving together the lives of strangers.

Carried Away on the Crest of a Wave is not always easy to follow due to its non-linear format, but what it lacks in traditional storytelling it makes up for in its exceptional performances. Each cast member plays more than one character, as there are only seven actors in the cast. Notable performances include Mayko Nguyen as a grieving Utah housewife, Ash Knight as a Catholic priest convinced he has seen a miracle, and Richard Zeppieri as a fast-talking, crass DJ. There is an effective juxtaposition of vulgar language and racy scenes with serious, moving moments. Each character deals with their own personal loss and devastation very differently, and their grief is manifested in unique ways, which is very powerful for the audience to witness.

This production illustrates the ripple effects that continue to shake the core of humanity years after a devastating natural disaster. The set, by designer Camellia Koo, is highly effective in its use of water, as it allows the audience to truly experience the atmosphere felt by those affected by the tsunami. Both playwright David Yee and director Nina Lee Aquino are successful in bringing alive so many different perspectives on a common tragedy, which makes Carried Away on the Crest of a Wave a must-see performance.

Carried Away on the Crest of a Wave runs until May 26 in the Tarragon Theatre Mainspace. Visit tarragontheatre.com for more information and to buy tickets.

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