Nuit Blanche: the far, far, far fun edge of Fringe

Today's the last day of the London Fringe Festival. Saw only five shows; meant to see more, but that's how it went this year. 

Planning to see Bookworm tonight, which has been on my "must see" list. Fortunately it's the Impressario Show for venue 7 tonight, so I should have a chance to get a ticket, provided I arrive early enough.

Another "must see" was Debris, staged by Passionfool, however, didn't see it because the last few shows were cancelled. Was told they were cancelled because Eva Blahut had to have emergency eye surgery. 

Eva's been having problems with her eyes for years; so please send her your prayers, if you will. 

Here's to you, Eva - wishing you a speedy and complete recovery!

If all goes well, we have it on good authority that a couple of performances of Debris will be scheduled at The Arts Project late this month, after Eva has recovered. 

Note: everything Passionfool touches is excellent; so be sure to get a ticket early when they go on sale. This will be a sell-out.

LONDON'S 2012 NUIT BLANCHE

Had fun last night at London's Nuit Blanche, the far, far, far fun edge of the Fringe. Here I am at the "Red Couch Diaries" venue, having my photo taken, which was uploaded to Twitter.

Started out at Museum London. Heard the Nihilist Spasm Band live for myself. What can I say? It's an experience.

London's Passionfool Theatre Company Excels!

I've not really known what to do with this blog - still don't - since it's no longer connected or linked to the original London Writers' Society website.

Yet, there have been so many times I've wanted to blog about a book or a local play or write a recommendation. 

I keep thinking I'll start another blog or another site, but I'm really busy.

So, although sticking with "London Writers' Society" for the name of my blog doesn't really fit anymore, it is what it is - at least for the present.

Since I have this blog set up and I need not make any decisions about a new name or URL - I don't have to build or set up anything - and I can still just write, I'm going to do it, even though it's unlikely that this blog will come up in any search engines or be found.

Still - what the hey. So - to my real topic.

When Passionfool Theatre comes out with their new season subscription, get it!

I had one this year and it was great. The last play staged (in November 2011), Attempts On Her Life, was surprise after surprise and brilliantly done. The whole cast did a great job, yet Jason Rip's performance really struck me as outstanding. 

Since this is what I have come to expect from Passionfool, this last time - when I was waiting for the performance to begin  (and if you've been to the Arts Project venue you know this is a very small venue with few or no props) - I realized I felt as excited as I do when we go to Stratford!

It was, of course, for different reasons.

I feel enthused about going to a play at Stratford for - let's face it - the beauty of it.

It's an opportunity to visit that beautiful little town, step into the sumptuous venue, be enthralled by lavish sets and costumes, and thrill to some famous  thespian projecting his or her energy "in the flesh."

It isn't, however, a place to go if you are interested in thinking a new idea or having a bit of a paradigm shift about reality. 

For instance, I didn't think too much about Camelot after I saw it at Stratford.

Yes, it was fun. Yes, it made me laugh and, yes, it made me shed a tear for the pain of lost love.

But, bottom line, it was predictable - even though I had never seen a performance of Camelot before - and that's why I think people go to Stratford.

They've seen many of these plays before or, at least, heard the story lines.

The surprise is to see the new costumes, sets, small interpretative changes. In the case of Camelot, the big surprise - and one that got a gasp from the audience - was when a real falcon flew from Merlin's arm.


I have no doubt that Passionfool Theatre - had they the funds - could stage equally beautiful productions, yet that is not their forte.

The company does "edgy" really, really well. Brilliantly, in fact.

Passionfool stages plays you will never see at Stratford, plays that surprise you and - in the words of the TVO slogan - "make you think."

I think the thing I really like about the plays they put on is that they demonstrate how difficult it is, really, to stereotype people or to label them.

We are all much more than we think we are or project. And both the Shadow and the Angel are ever present and waiting for the right - or wrong - circumstances to invite them out to play.  


In any event, this is local theatre at its best.

So call The Arts Project at (519) 642-2767 and reserve your 2012 Passionfool season subscription.

For a whopping $50 you'll see 3 plays: House, Three In The Back Two In The Head, and The Crucible. (Brochure.)

If you enjoy provocative and brilliant local theatre,you will not be sorry.

Highly Recommended: Passionfool Play "Terrorism" Thru March 26 2011

Highly Recommended: Passionfool Theatre's production of the play "Terrorism" currently at The Arts Project.

I went to the matinee on Saturday - reluctantly - because I judged the title as depressing and was, frankly, afraid of the material. If my step kids hadn't given me a subscription to the Passionfool season, I wouldn't have gone. As it was, I dragged my heels going there, but - surprise! - I emerged energized.

A vibrant play that keeps moving and is never boring or preachy, but gives you plenty to think about, it's directed by Justin Quesnelle who has, once again, excelled in both staging and direction.

If I counted correctly, 19 actors fill this play, and they do a really good job of depicting a wide spectrum of viewpoints and behaviors and their consequences. I'm really glad I did not miss this one.

If you like performances that give you something to think about, go see "Terrorism." If you go with a friend, you'll probably find yourself wanting to go out for coffee to talk about it afterward.

Full of surprises, dark humor, ironies and good acting, this is a must-see if you're in London, Ontario. Plays through March 26th. Again, highly recommended. Do not let the title scare you away as it almost did me.

Need a ticket? Call 519-642-2767. Or here's the URL:

http://www.artsproject.ca/theatre/passionfool.shtm