‘Defiance’ plays out in seven scenes by Ixion Ensemble

Ixion Ensemble Theatre’s final show of the season is a lively and well-received collection of seven scenes, each exploring the theme of “defiance.”

“Defiance: A Collection of Short Plays” runs about an hour and a half, with a 10-minute intermission. The costumes are appropriate and eye-catching, with well-executed and minimal lighting, sound and projection cues that punctuate the onstage action effectively.

Each scene is delivered in an attentive, smart and energetic manner, with smooth and efficient scene changes. Each performer matches the other in style and tone. Kudos to director Jordan Taylor and company.

The first scene is “The Kiss,” by George Sapio, which expands on the three key players in the very famous V-J Day photograph from Times Square at the end of World War II. Quinn Kelly plays the boisterous and exuberant sailor, who gets more to think about than he expected. Nurse Milichelle Deleon makes it clear that her consent isn’t automatic as she contends with avaricious photographer Mr. Eisenstaedt, well played by Sam Johnson.

Scene two features boundary testing and turnabout as fair play in “The College Interview,” by Hank Kimmel, in which admissions dean Janell Hall seeks to “humanize” an apparently inhumane process while ‘going beyond the obvious’ to determine whether prospective student Kayla Henry’s special abilities involving video gaming and playing Fantasy Football will translate to college success. Hall is clear and credible here, and Henry is playful and slightly antagonistic in a fun way.

Scene three has a Roman theme as two men get escorted by a terse guard to face death in the

gladiatorial battles of the Colosseum. “Breaking Bread,” by Rishi Chowdhary contrasts the heroic warrior Optimus (Heath Sartorius) with the practical, realistic kitchen servant Hummus (Ellison Hall), all while getting absolutely no sympathy from the fierce and callous guard (Tim Lewis). Sartorius is a delight with his swaggering attitude, and his commanding presence is matched by his use of a deeper vocal register. Hall has strong comic abilities in timing and phrasing, and he nails the role of the skeptic. Hall reminds me here of Gregory Hines in that one Mel Brooks movie.

“Every Seven Minutes,” by Ken Preuss features two individuals in hazmat suits, the seasoned vet Worker (Holly Kay-Cannon), who trains the Newbie (Patti Spinner) on the requirements and expectations of their computer job, randomizing the events that occur every seven minutes to someone anywhere on earth. Some random events are good, some are bad, and some have more personal impact than anticipated. Kay-Cannon plays with creativity the entire range of her character’s journey – from blasé to agitated and back again. Spinner does a very nice job with her character, someone who seems mousy, but when crunch time comes, she is willing to put her foot down.

Following the intermission, “The Inquisition,” by Don Grimme explores a Kafkaesque proceeding: Those who espouse free speech are persecuted rebels, and all opinions are discouraged and punished. Inquisitor Heath Sartorius tries to make Frank (Sam Johnson) confess to being the underground graffiti artist known as “Voltaire” while debating the concept of a “Higher Power”; meanwhile, Deborah (Holly Kay-Cannon) arrives and complicates matters. Brush up on your Voltaire for this and you will be rewarded.

“Old, Bored, Troubled, Dead,” by John Allison, illustrates themes of mortality, obligation and duty in a strong scene featuring seasoned Rose Jangmi Cooper as the Grandmother who may be running out of time, Janell Hall as the burdened and busy Mother and the grounded and realistic Hanna Kent as Janine, the impatient granddaughter. This is a very enjoyable scene; the realism of this story contrasts well with earlier, more tongue-in-cheek and absurd pieces.

The evening ends with “Seeds” by Holly Hepp-Gavin. This final scene features Heath Sartorius, Janell Hall and Tim Lewis who use movement and magical realism in a near-apocalyptic reality where a woman decides to become a tree, and the men debate how they should face the end of the world, with selfishness or with hope. Lewis has a great moment to end the show, speaking with simplicity and in trust of language and repetition, sharing a message of hope and positivity to end the night. Well done.