Play Review: PIGVIEW HEIGHTS

They say poverty is akin to a crime, and for the residents of Pigview Heights, this analogy rings painfully true. They find themselves consistently marginalized, forgotten, existing on the fringes of society, much like the city dump that surrounds their community. Pestilence, putrid food, poverty and of course, pigs are just some of their everyday challenges but amid the filth and constant foul smell, a community of persons exist and not only survive but thrive to the point that they become a dirty and dysfunctional yet dedicated family.

This is the scenario that unfolded for audiences of Patrick Brown’s ‘Pigview Heights’ now playing at the Courtleigh Auditorium. It was two hours of non-stop laughter and knee slaps as theatregoers were treated to quality entertainment which drove home the point that family does not necessarily mean blood and that integrity and honour do not have a specific zip code or address. The storyline chronicles the lives of a group of dumpster divers who live at the city dump and how through shenanigans and sheer ingenuity they manage to eke out a living.

This bunch of misfits and oddballs face discrimination, domestic abuse, trials and tragedy. Their luck takes a turn for the better when ‘Fungus’ (Glen Campbell) gets the chance to migrate to the land of opportunity and makes full use of everything that comes along with it. ‘Fungus’ is joined by ‘Princess’(Sharee Elise), ‘Queenie’ (Quera South) and ‘Scab’(Courtney Wilson) and suddenly, the impossible becomes possible and rudgery gives way to dreams.

Under Glen’s lead, laughter is virtually guaranteed, and the rest of the cast delivers exceptional performances. A standout mention must go to Desmond Dennis, who portrays ‘Georgey,’ a former law enforcement officer grappling with PTSD. Despite his struggles, he continues to uphold a semblance of order, even if it’s just to maintain control over the pigs. The set design serves a dual purpose, functioning both practically and symbolically, illustrating that life is not only approached in stages but also in layers. ‘Pigview Heights’ offers a complete evening of entertainment that is sure to leave a lasting impression.