Marin Theatre’s season opener, Yaga (written by Kat Sandler and directed by Barbara Damashek), is being marketed as a mystery with a supernatural twist. However, the supernatural takes center stage before the mystery ever begins, and the supernatural is where this play shines. The show runs in Mill Valley through Nov. 3.
In a small, present-day university town where rumors of witchcraft abound and everyone seems to be an unreliable narrator, Detective Rapp (Adam KuveNiemann) arrives to investigate the disappearance of Henry, the heir to a vast yogurt fortune. He is met by small-town detective Carson (Rachel Clausen) and an increasing number of female suspects, including the local professor of osteology, Katherine (Julia McNeal). In this Slavic Twin Peaks, nobody is who they appear to be, and the only reality may be the magic and the chickens.
All actors play multiple roles, and McNeal’s work with the specificity in her roles is a joy to watch as both an audience member and a theater professional. It’s multi-characterization done incredibly right. However, McNeal’s Yaga is by far the strongest performance.
Out of a blinding flash of light (light design by Kurt Landisman), an immaculately clad Yaga (costume design by Meg Neville) appears as if by magic on the beautifully moody set encircled with birch trunks and chicken feathers (scenic design by Carlos Aceves). McNeal delivers a funny and thought-provoking monologue, asking whether Yaga is a wicked witch in the woods or a woman doing her best in a world meant for men.
While the play’s visual aspects remain compelling, KuveNiemann and Clausen’s character shifts are less distinctive. This results in uneven scenes, with some characters lacking the depth and grounding needed to help the audience through the convoluted plot.
The play is also long, meaning the actors must work extra hard to keep the sometimes rambling script captivating. Some subplots don’t go anywhere, and some explanations feel like the playwright is trying to hold the audience’s hand. However, the premise and plot are compelling, and Sandler’s writing shines in McNeal’s capable hands during the multiple Yaga monologues.
This play is worth seeing for the Yagas, the production values and the intriguing marriage of Slavic lore with magical realism. It is an exciting and somewhat risky choice for Marin Theatre’s new season and its rebranding efforts.
Marin Theatre’s production of Yaga, despite a few flaws, shows promise for an interesting and thought-provoking season.
‘Yaga’ runs Weds – Sun through Nov. 3 at Marin Theatre, 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. Weds – Sat, 7:30pm; Sat & Sun, 2pm. $14-$85. 415.388.5208. marintheatre.org.
