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Fringe 2002 Reviews (17)
Catherine Lamm, our New York correspondent, dancer, theatre director
and occasional theatre journalist, reviews some not-terribly-good shows.
She comments on these one star shows:
Sometimes the kindest and most encouraging thing is not to review
but just to warn. Actors, writers, directors and producers involved
in these shows that fail so totally are advised: learn, move on, and
do try again. But learn.
Things missing and sorely lacking in these productions are well written
scripts with solid foundations and something universal to say about
the human condition; actors who can make language and characters their
own, and justify the actions; directors with clear, strong, and singular
views of a whole production and producers who can rally support and
know when things are going way off track.
Beautiful
Thing by About Turn at Rocket @ South Bridge never
clearly defined or focused itself. The cast, which covers two generations,
are played by actors nearly all the same age. And the characters are
so superficially drawn as to be laughable and cliché-ed. The
play is about two boys exploring their budding sexuality and homosexuality.
A Midsummer Night's Rock
by Bury Lawn Productions at C is another show cast with amateurs. Although
the show is capably chopped up and Will holds up, the music is spartan,
the singing and dancing embarassing and the "acting" is devoid
of any talent save for Bongani Bhebhe (as Bottom) who bristles with
potential.
The Tragedian
by the Prodigal Theatre Company at Smirnoff Underbelly is the insulting
and excessively overindulgent work of what would appear to be some professionals.
The fault is not necessarily with the unengaging solo performer. A strong
director might be able to make the unsympathetic character of Edmund
Keene into one that the audience cares about.
First Love by
Act Provocateur International at the Zoo Venue seems to want to do nothing
more that shock and confuse the audience. For a "dance" or
"movement" piece it is far too random and improvisational.
For a theatre piece the script is practically non-existant for as many
words as it has.
Painting With Colour
by Boundless at the Pleasance Dome is too fractured to follow. It is
supposed to explore the relationships and emotions between an artist
& model and an actor & dresser. It only comes together near
the end when Kaveh Rahnama, the sole male dancer and juggler, breaks
out on his own.
Fantasy by Discovery
Dance Theatre at C, Chambers Street, is a play gone wrong. It starts
by examing in a superficial way the relationship of four school chums,
following them as their friendships deepen or they become estranged
with maturity. A few clever mimes dot thoughout and this would be satisfying
piece aimed at children but it changes halfway into the dark territory
of rape and substance abuse. Two theatre productions collide and the
production does not survive.
Taboo at the Gilded
Balloon Teviot. Not Shocking! Not Provocative. Not theatre! And not
Funny!
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