IKilL packs a wallop in only 40 minutes. Conceived and directed by Izumi Ashizawa, the production employs a young high-energy and athletic cast to remind us how war affects everyone – soldiers, enemies, injured civilians, and women and children. is an optimist and believes that reconciliation can happen and enemies can learn to co-exist peacefully.
There are numerous physical demands placed upon this cast: lots of rolling around, stomping, and Bob Fosse-esque ‘lying on your back and high-kicking.’ And these poor actors were schvitzing profusely in the steamy Apothecary, which made their performances even more appreciated.
Ashizawa uses folk music from Eastern Europe fused with religious chanting to set the tone for each of her six episodes which make up iKilL. You hear bagpipes and wind flutes playing mixed with beautiful chanting harmonies. It’s very beautiful and eerie at the same time.
And although you may see flashbacks of Hiroshima after the Atomic Bomb was dropped, Ashizawa reassured me after the play that this work relates to every war or atrocity ever committed. Pay attention to what is written on the fan that introduces each of the six episodes. They hold the key to each episode’s theme.
Kudos to the talented cast: Jason Glass, Drew Kim, Nick Horan, Raechel Nolan, Vanessa Nolan, Claudia Rosales, and Vanessa Taylor.
iKilL is a powerful, disturbing – and yet – hopeful experience. Don’t miss it!
