Winnipeg's "Bleeding Hearts"

Bleeding Hearts, written by Winnipeg playwright and actor Kevin Klassen, closes the MTC Warehouse 08 - 09 season with plenty of sex, drugs and rock n' roll. The play looks at the relationship between three estranged brothers, formerly of the rock group "The Brothers Grimm," who are forced to reunite and write a song for their recently deceased mother.

As the story unfolds, you sense the passion the three brothers had for the music they performed and how family issues ripped their rock dreams apart. The musical score is as much a part of the play as the actors and script, setting the mood for the opening of each scene. And though you expect it never to happen, you also get an opportunity to finally hear all three brothers live, in unison, strumming and singing after a very emotional exchange regarding their parents' past.

As a Winnipegger, the play is very easy to feel attached to, between the set props and the sarcastic dialogue. No performance particularly stands out over the other, which allows the audience to empathize with each character equally. There is a point in the play that was quite comical when Ainslee - a full-time phone sex operator - provides as example of her expertise with her sister's husband. The funniest part being how quiet the crowd becomes as she describes exactly what she would do to her brother-in-law if given the sexual freedom.

All in all the 08 - 09 MTC warehouse season ends strong with a local flare the audience can appreciate, likely leading to many renewals for the next season.