BLOODY UNDERRATED: MONTREAL FRINGE: SOME FRENZIED KILLING GAMES

I’ve got to say, this show was a unique surprise. Le Théâtre Aphasique is a troupe consisting of actors suffering from Aphasia, a condition resulting from trauma to the brain (be it through stroke or injury) affecting one’s ability to communicate linguistically. The company’s idea is to help raise awareness for this relatively prominent condition and to help those afflicted with the condition to challenge and overcome their own barriers by engaging in live performance. It is no easy task. To raise the bar, the director takes dramaturgical support from Eugène Ionesco, a prominent playwright in Theatre of the Absurd. And the cherry on top – it’s a bilingual piece.

The play shows people in a city as it is struck by a pandemic that ultimately leads to a curfew and widespread quarantine. The characters must deal with this isolation, facing themselves and their reality. Despite their differences, they understand that if they all remain together then they will be strong and safe. The show focuses on this concept of unity as an important tool for individuals to weather the storm of any situation. Though I felt some choices made in the staging detracted from the flow that the show was naturally providing, it was overall a good experience. No doubt it was worth it to be in the room with these brave folks who put themselves on the line and shared their troubles in both a fictional and non-fictional manner. It shows the potential theatre has to help suffering individuals to take risks and find meaning and ability once again in their lives. On until the 9th, it’s a play worth popping down to Espace Berri to be a part of. Tickets are 12$, and they’re available here.

-Matt