Correction: Fassbinder wrote this story in the 1970s, not the pre-war early 20th century as I mistakenly mentioned in the video. This modern take of Fassbinder’s 1972 movie features a cast of local emerging artists. But even though they’re all quite young, they handle the mature and multilayered themes that run throughout this play with skill and authenticity. This plot follows two female lovers as they navigate the boundary between love and ownership. This is not a play about the challenges LGBT lovers face specifically so much as a story that anyone who has ever been in love or lust can relate to. Especially compelling was the performance of Shelby Satterthwaite, who plays the role of Petra’s assistant. Satterthwaite is proof of that popular theatre trope that there are no small roles, only small actors. And in her role as Petra’s assistant, Satterthwaite is anything but small. She has no lines, but is on stage at all times, and the expressions she lets her character make are the most accurate indicator of Petra’s truth and lies at all times during this play. Be ready to for the sort of drama that doesn’t leave you rolling your eyes, interrupted by moments of comedy that land just right. This show is a must for any film buffs and those who have always felt that gender roles fit them just a little too tight. The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant by Midtwenties Theatre Society is playing at the VanCIty Culture Lab as part of the Dramatic Work Series in the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Elizabeth Goode
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FIX tells the troubling stories of 7 individuals across generations affected by addiction, in such a beautiful way that their content is a startling contrast to their delivery which makes these stories very compelling. The alley setting allows the audience to literally travel a journey along with the performers and explore their wounds, their fix and the subsequent result, not necessarily in that order. Some performers are better than others, and some stories more relatable than others however it's clear that the overwhelming need to numb is consistent and real as are these people. Eye opening and edgy, these performers should be commended for displaying their scars in an effort to encourage understanding. FIX by The Elegant Ladies Collective is playing on site in Railspur Alley as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Karen Roller
A remarkably quiet piece given the subject matter, Bonnie & Clyde by Adam Peck is, more than anything else, about human fallibility, the need to be loved, to be understood, and the struggle to make one's own way in life. Kennedy Sloane as Bonnie and Emmett Lee Stang as Clyde both give flawless and fully embodied performances, navigating the emotional undercurrents of alternating light banter and tense conversation with honesty and depth. With a minimal, but atmospheric set and soundtrack, I could feel the stifling heat and smell the dirty, dusty air of the pair's hideaway. This story is just a slice of time, at once dreamlike and shockingly mundane in the domestic details that make up any person's intimate hours. Because the piece is so quiet and human and messy and unresolved, it does require stamina to stay present for the full 80 minutes. With the ebb and flow of tension remaining taught without building to any small moments of release, I did find my attention wandering, but they always brought me back. I found this piece quite disturbing in the way it both charmed, delighted and troubled me. Director Larisse Campbell and these two talented actors have created a piece of subtle darkness doused in light. The rich undercurrents of which continue to visit my subconscious like a gently aching tooth. Bonnie & Clyde by The Ordinary Productions is playing at the VanCity Culture Lab 6 - 16 September as part of the Dramatic Works Series at the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Danielle Benzon Click "read more" for the full video transcript.*Trigger Warning for This Show* - Discussions of suicidal thoughts, mental illness, depression, anxiety. Although this piece was only described as examining the plight of insomnia, it would be a disservice to Al Lafrance and to his audience to reduce I Think I’m Dead to such a simplistic description. Lafrance’s show is riddled with discussions of pop culture, family dynamics, inter-dimensionality, and most of all - mental illness. Lafrance takes a deep dive into his own consciousness at a pace which can only be described as “full-tilt”. Performed in an extremely intimate, dark, and hot venue, the intensity of Lafrance’s story is palpable in an almost confining way. Overall, Lafrance is a strong storyteller and a lovely person - His production I Think I’m Dead reflects these traits admirably. Al Lafrance: I Think I'm Dead is playing at Arts Umbrella 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Madisen Steele Click "read more" for the full video transcript.Cocky is a show about trigonometry as much as it is about catholicism. Which it is neither. Cocky is a storyteller that explicitly recounts moments of her childhood. These memories along with descriptions of her various immediate family members allow audience members to realize how childhood experiences, however seemingly insignificant, can shape the thoughts and feelings of a child. Touching on subjects such as alcoholism, death, divorce and religion, none of these specifically take the forefront but rather leave you with remnants of thoughts just as it seems to have for the storyteller. As much as Beth McLaughlin captures your attention with her storytelling ability she neglects to leave you with any closure, but perhaps that is her intent. Cocky by Beth McLaughlin is playing at Studio 16 September 6 - 16 as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Karen Roller Click "read more" for the full video transcript.Written by Jeff Leard and Sydney Hayduk, Angels & Aliens attempts to critically examine some of humanity's biggest questions. In this production they tackle religion, politics, environmental destruction, war, and awkward roommate sex. Leard and Hayduck offer an energetic and polished performance as well as a pleasantly critical and creative perspective on the human condition. This production consisted of three separate but related narratives, which Leard and Hayduck transitioned through neatly and effectively maintaining high energy levels throughout. Overall, a wonderful and entertaining piece of theatre. Questions I am left with: I am interested in perspectives of people coming from a variety of backgrounds and belief systems and how they might respond to the narrative of this piece, as well as the critical stance Lead and Hayduck take against certain aspects of religion and politics. Angels & Aliens by Peachy Keen Productions/Active Salad Productions is playing at Studio 1398 from the 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Madisen Steele Click "read more" for the full video transcript.Is That How Clowns Have Sex? A One-Woman, Queer Clown Sex-Ed Show produced by Maximaliste Productions doesn’t shy away from sex talk, and will have you in stitches doing so. The performer, Fiona Ross, is quirky and sweet, and has the right comedic timing as she playfully acts out different aspects of sex education using her clown character Ms. Beatrice Haven. Don’t expect anything serious or to have your sex questions answered in a clear fashion, but you will be entertained and there will be a lot of laughter throughout. At times the act can get a bit repetitive, but Ms. Beatrice manages to keep the audience engaged and you never quite know what’s going to happen next. So, if you plan on going make sure to bring a weird, funny, or burning sex question and it just might get answered during the show! Is That How Clowns Have Sex? A One-Woman, Queer Clown Sex-Ed Show by Maximaliste Productions is playing at Your Open Closet 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Jenna Masuhara Click "read more" for the full video transcript.Big Queer Filipino Karaoke Night! produced by Tender Container with Associate Producers Newworld Theatre and New(to)Town Collective is a queer, 19+ show that encourages singing, laughter and drinking! Located at the XY, this cozy space invites audience members to feel like they are at an open stage Karaoke/stand up night where they become part of the show. Davey Calderon, the writer and performer of this one-person show artfully uses the entire bar space throughout his performance, mingling with audience members as he tells his story about his trip to the Philippines intermixed with Karaoke songs sung by both himself and volunteers from the audience. And while his interaction with the audience made it feel very personal, it did lead to some stage blocking problems, as he does have his back to the audience at certain portions of the show. Also, the lighting cues were a bit behind at times, but that should be improved as the show continues its run. Other than that it was a fun, energetic show. All in all, Calderon strikes the right balance between funny, sweet, and authentic when telling his stories that make for an enjoyable performance and a safe space to display your vocal talents! Big Queer Filipino Karaoke Night! produced by Tender Container with Associate Producers Newworld Theatre and New(to)Town Collective is playing at XY 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Jenna Masuhara Click "read more" for the full video transcript.Unhinged was a crazed comedic rant, with the idea that the rant comes from a lunatic jester. I could see the intent but I did not understand the storyline that Luke Purm was attempting to weave. The jester is angry and with every reason. He plays with words as he hops from one topic to another bringing his audience along with him. Although angry, our lunatic jester is quite engaged with his audience and you never feel left out. My favourite part was the math on dinosaurs and our oil supply. I am sure he added that up right. If you are angry with the world as it is today and would like a dark and purposefully absurd telling of how a lunatic jester might explain our failings, then this show will get you all worked up. Unhinged by Knight & Daïs Entertainment is playing at the Cultch Historic Theatre 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Melody Owen Click "read more" for the full video transcript.Direct Theatre Collective manages to interweave disturbing subject matter with playful moments without diminishing the significance of the message with Hysteria. They take you into a future of what if's which prompt you to contemplate their individual accounts of #metoo perhaps along with your own or of loved ones. Although some of the content may be shocking, it isn't presented in an overly crude or vulgar way other than some coarse language which is noted in the program description. Everyone left the theatre smiling which is an accomplishment considering the raw experiences that are shared. Even if they don't overcome some of the missed cues they had on opening night the production will still provide audience members with some smiles if not laughs as well as some serious issues to consider. Hysteria by Direct Theatre Collective is playing at the Cultch Historic Theatre 6 - 16 September as part of the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival. ~ reviewed by Karen Roller Click "read more" for the full video transcript. |
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