Stir Q&A: The Invisible: Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare's Melissa MacPherson talks about a musical that breaks the mould
Noir, mystery, or historical drama, the new show based on women’s true World War II spy stories is full of surprises
Melissa MacPherson plays a Second World War spy in The Invisible. Photo by Citrus Photography
The Cultch presents Catalyst Theatre’s The Invisible: Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare at the York Theatre from April 29 to May 7
THE INVISIBLE, CATALYST THEATRE’S genre-busting, strikingly designed mashup of song-and-dance musical theatre, film noir, true history, and graphic novels, is coming to the York Theatre this week—and it tells a little-known story of the women who risked their lives during the Second World War.
Set in 1940 and inspired by the true stories of female special operations executives (SOEs), it follows the women behind enemy lines who pull off “invisible” acts of sabotage, propaganda, and espionage to bring down the Nazis. Written and directed by Jonathan Christenson, it’s packed with atmospheric songs that draw on everything from French chansons to cabaret tunes. (Check out the trailer at the bottom for a sense of its unique look and sound.)
Stir talked to actor Melissa MacPherson, who plays central character and narrator Evelyn Ash, about what it’s like to play one of these fearless agents, the resonance of the story in a time of war, and how she keeps her energy up. She has a wide-ranging theatre and musical background, appearing in shows from As You Like It and Richard III to Nashville Outlaws, Noises Off, All Shook Up, and Lend Me A Tenor.
This show is being praised for the way it mashes genres and pushes the stage musical into new territory. How does it differ from other musicals you’ve starred in and how do you describe its style?
“From my perspective, this show differs from other musical productions that I have been a part of because it ignores most conventions of style. Though it could possibly be described as noir, mystery, or historical drama, the production, and in particular the music, does not stick to any prescribed formula or genre. It keeps on surprising!”
Has the war in Ukraine affected your thoughts around this show's themes—what we’d be willing to sacrifice our lives for?
“Having performed this show previously, there were many discussions during those times where the cast and crew would consider the gravity of the show's content, and the great privilege it is to have the opportunity to try to tell a story of these very heroic figures and the sacrifices they made. The terrible crisis in Ukraine I think has galvanized our desire to do justice to this story of war, and to approach the characters from a place of empathy and truthfulness.”
Your character is based on Vera Atkins, assistant to the head of Winston Churchill’s Special Operations Executives. What have you learned about her and how has she inspired you?
“Vera Atkins was a truly mysterious woman. She fought her way to a position of influence in the British government at a time when it was absolutely unheard of for a woman, let alone a woman of foreign birth, to do so. There is much written about her, but a lot of the serious stuff is speculation. I find it really delicious that she was able to maneuver her way into power, leave such an indelible mark on history, and yet remains mostly shrouded in intrigue.”
What have you noticed about all that female energy on the stage?
“For myself, it has been a unique and delightful experience working alongside an ensemble comprised entirely of women. I might describe the energy onstage as sensual and feminine, but it is also wonderfully powerful.”
This is an intense triple-threat production. What’s your trick to staying energized before performance night?
"For this show I never fail to keep on hand a healthy supply of canned fish and Ovaltine."
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