Play Review: 'My Sister in This House'

"A sister sticks by you, even when you're in trouble, isn't that true?"

Spoken by a photographer in the play, "My Sister in This House," this line sums up the entire basis of the subversive plot. Surviving by cleaning houses, two sisters share the stage in this Irish Classical Theatre production, unraveling their relationship to the audience.

Bound by blood and an occupation, the elder sister Christine, (Kristen Kos) and "almost pretty" Lea (Abby Huston) rely on each other's compassion and companionship in order to live in a strict and demanding environment. Cleaning house for the critical Madame Danzard (Bess Brown Kregal) and her daughter Isabelle (Kelly Ferguson), the sisters are forced to live a silent life, eat little and living in the frigid maids' quarters.

The wealthy Danzards lead simple lives, ringing a bell for service at the slightest necessity. God forbid either one pick up a plate or glass. Typical of a class-conscious story, the homeowner's life and opinions greatly contrast to that of the servants'.

Christine and Lea are paid little and spend everyday in each other's company, even sharing a bed at night - and their intimate thoughts: "You won't ever leave me, will you?" asks Lea.

At first sight, the audience sees two devoted sisters, but shortly after, it becomes evident that something else is shared between the two other than a room. Playful hugs and teasing fights suggest an underlying incestuous aspect of their relationship, but instead of a subtle hint, the two lustful women act on their desires before the audience's eyes.

Presenting her with a hand-stitched negligee, Lea accepts, saying, "It's beautiful," to which Christine replies, "It's you who are beautiful."

From this moment, all hints of subtlety are out the window. Kisses between the two caused the comparatively older audience to shift uncomfortably in their seats.

Ferguson gives an incredible performance, laughing infectiously at her ridiculous and stingy mother, and stealing away the forbidden chocolates when not under her scrutiny. Tired of her secluded life, Isabelle complains, "No street is as quiet as this one."

Isabelle also suffers because of her mother's desire for perfection and cleanliness, which reaches the proportions of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

While Madame Danzard becomes increasingly unsatisfied with the sisters' work, the discreet young ladies grow closer, vowing to share their Sundays together. Christine continues to pile on compliments, telling Lea, "You look like an angel," and "You're all I have."

The abnormal relationship shared between the sisters is portrayed well by Kos and Huston. Both are convincing at making an intimate homosexual and incestuous relationship plausible. The dynamics of the abnormal relationship are fundamental in drawing the audience's sympathy. Based on their performances, the actresses succeed in getting audience's eyes anxiously fixed to the stage, awaiting the shocking and somewhat appalling finale.

The play continues at the Irish Classical Theatre until April 6. Tickets cost $12 for students.