Leave of Absence, Lucia Frangione, Jan 25-Feb 16, 2013, Pacific Theatre

Playwright Lucia Frangione is a busty C.S. Lewis. She converts the profane into the sacred with a potter's touch. Her latest masterpiece, Leave of Absence, playing at Pacific Theatre, Vancouver, Jan. 25 to Feb. 16 is a tour de force as it grapples with school yard bullying masquerading as sexual purity. Four adults, priest, single mother, school mistress and Russian Canadian strong man interact intimately but cannot touch the spirit of an adolescent victim turned martyr. The sensuality and spirituality of language and symbolism is revealed in all aspects of a play uniquely choreographed with space upon space. St. Theresa of Avila , Robertson Davies and Stuart McLean would both embrace Lucia as their own.   The acting and directing was superb. well deserving of the standing ovation that followed the bitter sad yet hopeful ending.