Guards at the Taj
This show brought the house down to its feet– it’s a must-see! This is by far a polished piece for the more experimental atmosphere of the Fringe. I was blown away by the acting, the story, and the witty humour. Adele Noronha and Andy Kalirai were phenomenal! It’s as if the actors wore a suit, sized and made for their skins – there was a seamless brilliance in the writing, the direction, and the performance on stage. “Guards at the Taj” shows how one can weave historical facts with theatrical imagery, whilst digging into philosophical angst and revealing human nature anew. If the Taj Mahal is seen as a spectacle, one of the world’s wonders, evoking awe in all those who see it, well then, this play is certainly no less. If you didn’t get a chance to see it (because I think most nights it was sold out!), this show better be back because theatre this good deserves to be on the main stage for everyone to see.
The Woman Who Borrowed Memories
A first of its kind, “The Woman Who Borrowed Memories”, is based on a short story by Tove Jansson. The unusual choice of writing libretto and performing this as an opera actually fit beautifully. The one-act chamber opera sings the audience a curious tale of two friends who see each other after being apart for years. It is lyrically and musically complex. The performers, Dinah Ayre, Melodie Corbett, and Roan Shankaruk carry the show with ease, making it seem perfectly normal that two individuals would talk to each other in operatic gest. It’s also an interesting concept and self-reflective of what we remember, how we remember, and how others may take or manipulate memories that we call our own. An intriguing and brave venture, I enjoyed this eerie story in all its melodic splendor!
Rape is Real & Everywhere
Now this is a show that a lucky few got to witness – and I am honoured to count myself amongst them. “Rape is Real & Everywhere” overflows with courage, filling the audience to the brim with laughter, empathy, and immense respect for each comedian who triumphantly takes the stage! Not only is the show sheer genius, it is diverse. The talented line-up is a star-studded spectacle. It includes Ryan Lachance, Middle of the Sky or Brenda Prince, Jane Stanton, Emily Bilton, Shane Clark, and Emma Cooper. By telling their own stories through jokes, the comedians and survivors re-appropriate the comedy space. Where “rape jokes” initially reaffirmed rape myths, trivializing and normalizing sexual violence, this show reclaims the stage and the performative space, drawing awe from every audience member, who stood to give them a standing ovation, whilst also standing in solidarity.
Get your tickets to the Fringe here!
– Maira Hassan