How Coyote Was Swallowed by the Sandia Mountains - Fringe XX

How Coyote Was Swallowed by the Sandia Mountains @ Espace 4001 (Geordie). By Crazy Going Slowly Players. Written by Anna Roth Trowbridge. Directed by Nathaniel Bryan. Featuring Nathan Bitton (Leo), and Alex Vincent (Scilla). A reincarnation of the honours thesis in Drama and Cognitive Science "A One Man Show or My Brother" (2009) that was originally mounted at McGill's Players' Theatre (see review earlier on this blog). It is part memory-play and part folk-tale. Scilla, Leo's kid sister, tries to learn about and tries to rationalize why her brother, who suffered from bi-polar disorder, left the cold reality of Montreal to end up killing himself in the mystified wilderness of New Mexico. She writes a play to connect with her memory of her brother and to better understand his untreated mental disorder. A struggle then ensues between sanity and insanity, a sister and a trickster, two playwrights that remember things very differently, and we see a story unfold through two very contrasting points of view.

From strictly a creative dramatic perspective there are still some important elements yet to be discovered and that remain undeveloped in this version. Getting out of the analytical brain and into the theatrical brain is always a challenge when dealing with this type of subject matter and from such technical sources. Taking bigger risks and pushing the envelope farther are what is needed to take this play over the creative precipice. However, a very well written, well staged and very well performed piece of important theatre. The movement and interpretation of Nathan Bitton capturing every nuance of his character Leo/Coyote felt very genuine and was quite intriguing. 4 cents. Dee Arr

The Duck Wife - FRINGE XX

The Duck Wife / La femme canard @ Tangente Venue #1. By Inertia Productions - Montreal. Brilliant! Manifique! A creative fusion of the elements of performance art melding them into one very moving and highly entertaining piece of bilingual theatre. Based on an Inuit myth as the tale unfolds about a hero in pursuit of his wife is brought vividly to life in an abstract with a touch of the absurd style, and yet with a thread of still subtle realistic fashion. Dance, live new age-rock music: both instruments and vocals, multimedia projections, eclectic colorful costumes, and powerful performances from a talented and agile ensemble make this production a sure fired hit. The 3 piece band on stage from Brooklyn, Grub Animal, known for their "new wave", hard core, rock styling fit right in interacting with the other performers, even getting into the act. Captivating from the first word uttered and the first move made to the last note played. Bravo! 5 cents. Dee Arr

Blind To Happiness - FRINGE XX

Blind To Happiness @ Espace 4001 (Geordie) Venue #3. By Maple Suroor Productions (Kuwait). Tim C. Murphy is not blind to creating thought provoking and intellectual theatre. A very original and intelligent play that one will enjoy more if you just sit back and trust the performer to make you happy. A solo performance that captivated my attention and that held my interest from the moment he set foot on stage. A creation of three separate very distinct and unique characters; One that is based on a true to life individual, and two that are imaginary. I applaud this type of solo play as opposed to the usual 'It's all about me.' dribble. It demonstrates true talent! 5 cents. Dee Arr

7 (x1) Samurai - FRINGE XX

7 (x1) Samurai @ MAI Venue #9. Written, directed, and performed by Davis Gaines, Arlington Virginia. David is like WOW! from the world of mime. Comes to us with incredible credentials and great reviews touting his best solo show in DC and Florida. How does one encapsulate a 3 1/2 hour movie into a 60 minute show? Somehow David accomplished this with humour and impeccable mime skill. However, I was just as bored here as I was watching the movie. If you loved the 7 Samurai then surely you'll love this. Scooby took a cat nap and couldn't wait for a fire hydrant break. There were lots and lots of laughs and cheers from the rest of the audience however. 5 cents (for the production) 1 cent (for the dialogue). Scobby Doo

Recess - FRINGE XX

Recess @ MAI Venue #9. By Keep It Movin' Productions. A high energy solo performance writen and performed by Una Aya Osato. Miss White a Bronx school teacher decides to let her students be taped on video with messages of hope for the Afro-American president Obama. Takes the audience into the hearts and minds of the children. Touching stories from the kids who have not got much to rely on or look forward to in their lives. Una plays all the characters and is amazing when switching from one to another with humor and tragedy, but above all a feel of reality that is deeply touching. 5 cents. Sylvester

Recess By Keep it Movin' Productions. A one woman multimedia show that rocked and moved me in ways that will stay with me for quite awhile. Una Aya Osato is a teacher from New York City and from her years of experience decided to write and perform this piece that is so very touching. She delightfully plays all the boys, girls, and adults that interchange from video to stage very smoothly. How misunderstood children can be and all the details of their precious and complicated lives in the Bronx weave a story that grabs you line after line and pulls you into feeling like your one of them in the playground. Children that are funny, energetic, and sad, each living through the experience of growing up in a world run by adults who end up being more affected by the children then they realize. A subtle yet powerful piece that reflects timelessly on the education system in ways that almost everyone can relate to. 5 cents. Scooby Doo

Heart Strings - FRINGE XX

Heart Strings @ La Chapelle Venue #10 By Tanya Elchuk & Amy Crnkovic - Thunder Bay. What is it is about clowning?... My heart cringes when I see people doing far to much of it and being much to loud and acting so over the top that I just want to yell back at them: "Take it easy, please!" This "acting" style is not for me and may or may not be for you too? The "story" was very predictable on top of it, with of course a happy ending. A surrealist romantic comedy about hearts in a box without instructions, the pain and the defeat, and oh yeh, the dispair too. In very proper English. 2 cents. Sylvester

La Parade Cachée - FRINGE XX

La Parade Cachée By La Feintse - Montreal. Hour Stage Venue #4. Written, directed and performed by Maude Bouchard. Music by Yana Ouellet. Leaving the play thinking "I didnt get it"; And apparently, I wasnt the only one; -It took quite a while before the audience started to applaud at the end. Probably because it felt unfinished. Significance of the title? -I don't even get what the title "Parade Cachée" (Hidden Parade) refers to after seeing the play? It would have been a good idea if the author had completed the puzzle for us. Nevertheless, it is still a nice exploration of emotions, well delivered performance, and supported by a good soundtrack. If you're in for a ride without a expecting to end in any specific destination, then it's a show for you. 2 cents. TinTin