| In a few days, Old Strathcona will be littered with the tattered remains of yet another Fringe. All that will remain are memories for the thousands of audience members who flocked to the shows and for the actors who played in them.
Not all the recollections will be pleasant for the troupes and individuals who risked much to come and perform in Edmonton. For some there will be the heartbreak of tiny houses and poor reviews or the frustration of a glowing write up that didn’t match the appended star ranking. The superlatives may be present, but if the stars don’t reflect them, the audience will stay away. Sad but true.
What differentiates a three and a half star show from a four or five star production? In essentials, not much: all are highly competent, entertaining and well done. However, the five star show is one that will leave the viewer reeling, whether with an upsurge of emotion or laughter–sometimes both. Most reviewers will try and focus on the positive aspects while drawing some attention to the flaws. The actor may be tremendous, but the material lacking or an indifferent performance may scuttle a strong script.
When asked his opinion of the star ratings, TJ Dawe said "It's an excuse for the audience member not to read the reviews–only to look at the stars. In a crowded festival it makes sense to have a shorthand system like that, but it's a shame people are so willing to let other people make their decisions for them." A frightening thought, and the responsibility of determining who will go home with a profit hangs heavily. On the other hand, its ironic that at a festival dedicated to risk on the part of the artists involved, the paying public isn’t always willing to risk as well. After all, it’s only $10.
Should we get rid of the stars? Yes, but it will be difficult to do so. The solution really lies in the hands of Edmonton’s readership.
As a reviewer, I have given 1/2 a star to productions and five to others. You can’t love everything. All a reviewer can do is respect the courage of anyone willing to speak their truth from that circle of light in a rough and tumble venue and in summation of the experience be balanced and fair.
Having said that, here are my top shows at this year’s festival.
1. The Excursionists–Jules Verne meets Monty Python in a hysterical hour under the waves.
2. Letters in Wartime–Sublime performances in a no holds barred script. An examination of war’s destruction, this beautiful production will leave you shaken.
3. Stealing Venus–Kinetic, funny and harrowing. It’s a wild ride from South Africa’s Anton Smuts.
4. The Opposite of Infinity–A love story told with wit and warmth, Tania Levy brings a spunky sweetness of spirit to the Fringe.
5. JOE: The Perfect Man–Go with the flow and allow Joe to open your eyes. Rachelle Elie celebrates creativity and the poignant comedy that is live.
6. WOOL–Catch an exciting new creative force in development. Wool has its problems, but Alex Eddington will move you both to tears and laughter.
7. Stripes: The Mystery Circus–It’s a bizarre show, and often hard to watch, but Sarah Hayward has a lot to say, and says it with passion and beauty
8. Zombies–Stewart Matthews is alone onstage, but he populates it with a cast of marvellous characters. Skilled, and engaging, he pulls you into a bizarre netherworld.
9. 52 Pick-up–Yes, its been done before, and yes the concept is a bit gimmicky, but Stewart Matthews and Natalie Joy Quesnel bring a lyric poignancy to this Fringe classic.
10. Living Shadows–Tracy Power is luminous as Mary Pickford, the eternal child of the silver screen. Her show passionately explores what it is to make art, and how relevancy can change. |
