Terminus by Mark O’Rowe

Mark O’Rowe’s Terminus is a nightmarish vision of one night in Dublin where a serial killer dreams of singing Bette Midler tunes, a teacher races to save a former student from a barbarous gang, and a young woman finds love in the arms of a demon. Terminus is a hip-hop opera for three souls. Like the love child of James Joyce and Quentin Tarantino, the play is dark, disturbing, poetic, and comic.

Originally commissioned by the Abbey Theatre in 2007, Terminus has astonished and thrilled audiences around the world.  This was Canada’s second production. It won the Jessie award for Outstanding Production in 2013.

Photography by Ian Snow

 Critical Response:

In no particular order, here’s what stood out for me beginning with Terminus, a Pi Theatre production directed by Richard Wolfe. You could have worn a flak jacket to this one because the three characters (portrayed by Leanna Brodie, John Emmet Tracy and Pippa Mackie) flayed us with words, words, wonderful words. It was an exhilarating ride to that terminus of redemption and forgiveness.

Jo Ledingham – Courier Best of the Year

Terminus: Pi Theatre’s production of Mark O’Rowe’s devilishly literate script—about Satan’s activities in contemporary Dublin—was one of the best shows Vancouver has seen in years. Emerging artist Pippa Mackie was joined by two actors who are new to Vancouver audiences, Leanna Brodie and John Emmet Tracy, both of whom I hope to see a lot of in the New Year.
This show was exquisitely directed by Richard Wolfe.

Colin Thomas – Georgia Straight Best of the Year

My first thought when I heard that Mark O’Rowe’s script utilized rhymes and called for Canadian actors to perform with Irish accents was “do I have to go?” I’m sure Terminus wasn’t an easy sell. I’m also sure almost everyone who saw Pi Theatre’s production, which dominated the Jessies earlier this year, was as glad they went as I was. Pippa Mackie, Leanna Brodie and John Emmet Tracy were superb.

Mark Leiren-Young – Vancouver Sun Best of the Year

Creative and Production Team:
Directed by Richard Wolfe
Featuring: Leanna Brodie, Pippa Mackie, John Emmet Tracy
Set Design by David Roberts
Lighting Design by Alan Brodie
Costume Design by Carmen Alatorre
Sound Design by David Mesiha
Projection Installation by Parjad Sharifi
Stage Managed by Jethelo E. Cabilete
Apprentice Stage Management by Jillian Perry
Production Management by Jayson McLean
Photography by Ian Snow