A raw, intimate time capsule, Ghostlight captures the fragile line between performance and reality when the stage disappears but the need to create remains.
by Nav Qateel
Set during lockdown, Ghostlight follows a group of theater artists who are having a tough time dealing with the limited-contact policies enforced on everyone. Zoom calls are the order of the day, but clearly not a satisfying way to perform Shakespeare.
Written and directed by Tatyana Yassukovich, Ghostlight is an ambitious affair aimed at thespians who lived through the trying time of COVID, when making a living became extremely difficult and the future was far from certain for actors of all stripes. Yassukovich is a name better known for being on the other side of the camera or lending her voice to video games.
Ghostlight plays out as a snapshot in time over several months, as we witness actors trying to keep it together as best they can, performing works like King Lear over the internet. While watching them go through the motions, it’s often difficult to discern whether they are performing or experiencing some sort of emotional breakdown. It’s quite something to behold.
At one point, Sasha (Tara Ann Culp) receives a phone call informing her that the production of The Three Sisters she was set to appear in has been canceled due to the rapid rise of a new COVID variant. This was something that played out all over for struggling thespians in real life. I remember reading about similar situations during that time.
Not everything is bleak, with some moments of amusement along the way. One standout scene features Deirdre (Francesca Faridany) performing the Titania monologue in a park, directly competing with two musicians busking at a storefront, ultimately managing to drown them out. It’s easy to imagine something like this happening in real life. Sadly, there is also tragedy, with a touching moment near the close of the film that I won’t spoil.
Ghostlight will likely have limited appeal for those not interested in theater, but if you’re looking for strong performances from a talented cast, it offers an emotional and occasionally funny reflection on a difficult period in our recent history.
Nav’s Score: 8/10
