V for Vixen
Laura Roberts
lroberts@hour.ca
|
Berlyn and Milner go head to head on giving head in S.C.R.E.W.
|
Sexy Fringe madness
Though my fellow Hour staffers listed some of their Fringe favourites in last week's paper, I'd like to make a few of recommendations of my own. After all, this year's Fringe is quite possibly the sexiest in the history of the festival.S.C.R.E.W. you
The first production that caught my eye, and which I consider my top choice for this year's sex-addled Fringe-goer, was S.C.R.E.W.: The Sexual Curriculum Remedial Education Workshop. As their publicity puts it, "The government of Canada has mandated that due to the terrible sex-ed curricula of our nation's past, all citizens must attend a S.C.R.E.W. Session. Bondage, biology and a brainy blond brandishing bananas make for the best mandatory fun you've had since you hit puberty."
Given the fact that Montreal's sex-ed curriculum was abolished in 2005, leaving a serious gap in teenagers' education, the premise of this show sounds all too terribly realistic. Happily, however, this is a comedic show, and audience participation is mandatory.
The "workshop" is led by instructor Sarah Lovejoy (played by Kingston, Ontario native Lindsay Milner) and is constantly interrupted by a government-appointed morality officer, Jane Johnson (local actress Anna Berlyn), as it covers the basics of attraction, physiology, dating etiquette, safer sex and even bondage.
Milner notes that this is her playwriting and directorial debut, though she's been performing onstage for years. She's looking forward to promoting her company's mission of "passionate
people making entertaining theatre in Montreal" with this show, put together by Flirt Productions. Latecomers are welcome throughout the 45-minute show, though it's possible that they'll be singled out as "volunteers" for some of the kinky antics. There's still time to check it out at the Berri Space (venue 3, 4001 Berri), on June 19 or 20.Suck it
Another show I'm looking forward to seeing is Matt Jones's Dracula in a Time of Climate Change, featuring Montreal's own zombshells, the Dead Doll Dancers. While this is ostensibly a depressingly true story about the rising tides of ecological destruction, it veers off into bloodsucking and post-apocalyptic worldviews where neither man nor vampire can survive. Catch this hilarious 90-minute show June 19 or 21 down at Fringe HQ, Mainline Theatre - and remember that while no latecomers will be allowed, vampires get discounted tickets!
Getting Hefnerian
I have no idea what Washington, D.C.-based John Hefner is bringing to the table with his self-titled piece, The Hefner Monologues, but I'm looking forward to seeing him dish it out. After all, he's the "estranged cousin of Hugh Hefner," and if that's not reason enough to check out this show about struggling against prejudices inspired by his infamous cuz, how about this? On his show's website, he mentions his desire for "fans who scare the ever-loving crap outta me," as well as the über-hawt turn-ons of Ernest Borgnine and Bea Arthur. I'm so there.
As if that weren't enough, he's also got a recommendation from DCist.com, which states "Hefner is a skilled raconteur... his tales recall those of the great Henry Rollins." Since I am perhaps the world's biggest Henry Rollins fan, having even written an open letter to the man (blackheartmagazine.com/2009/02/10/an-open-letter-to-henry-rollins), this is one of the best selling points I've ever seen for a Fringe show. Not to mention the further quote from the DCist article in question, which states, "Hefner has some of the physicality of one Homer Simpson; specifically the fey hand-spasms and tip-toe dances that express delight and anticipation."
Hefner, Rollins and Homer Simpson: How can you go wrong? Two dates left: June 19 and 20 at Mainline Theatre.
Sexless Lysistrata
I'm also anticipating a wild and crazy production of Lysistrata, the Greek classic wherein the chicks of Greece refuse to service their menfolk in protest of (yet another) stupid war. Produced by Manchester's Eyewitness Theatre Company, this show is 75 minutes of filth and hilarity. The troupe warns: "Men must be accompanied by a sensible adult," which seems to imply that the battle of the sexes will even carry over into audience participation and segregation. Will the menfolk be banned at the door if they dare show up alone (or in drunken frat-like groups)? Hit up Venue 7 (Portuguese Association of Canada) on June 20 or 21 to find out!
(A word to the wise: The notes for this production suggest that you "wear something that wipes clean." Whether this refers to fake blood spewage or bodily functions of another kind is open to interpretation.)
Finally, in no particular order, I'm also looking forward to seeing these other fine Fringe productions: Burlesque Unzipped: From Shakespeare to the Shimmy, Amazone - A (Very Violent) Love Story, Fucking Stephen Harper: How I Sexually Assaulted the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada and Where It Got Me, and Perverts!
For more info on all remaining Fringe shows, check www.montrealfringe.ca. For reviews, photos and chance encounters with strange Fringers, check Hour's Fringe Blog at www.hour.ca.
