SPEED DATING FOR SPERM DONORS - VAN FRINGE 2018

The dramatic reading of Speed Dating for Sperm Donors, part of the Advance Theatre New Works by Diverse Women series at the 2018 Vancouver Fringe Festival was a delightful insight into the struggles of a couple trying to start a family in a non traditional fashion. 

Based on the playwright's personal experiences rounded out with some fiction, the production manages to find the humour in a frustrating and near impossible process.  Although the couple portrayed is two women, I feel that the majority of the struggles would be the same for any couple in the same situation however some challenges specific to their relationship were raised.  Rather than just being a series of interviews, as speed dating would suggest, the content also delves into their reasoning for choosing to go down this particular path as opposed to a potentially easier route.  Although Natalie Meisner, the playwright, creates comedy out of a taxing experience, she also introduces how probable it is for the story to unfold in various other, not so comical, ways.  A very real, and relevant story for anyone who has, or knows someone who has, had difficulty becoming a parent.  With any luck we'll get a chance to see this produced in Vancouver.

~ reviewed by Karen Roller