In On It: A Bit Cluttered

A young writer struggles with a new script, trying various scenarios while coping with the sometimes trenchant advice of his male partner. So, at the beginning of Daniel MacIvor’s one-act play we seem to be entering intriguing dramatic territory about the troubled processes of creation. More layers emerge in the apparent form of projected scenes from the script being prepared. There are a couple of splendid sequences about a man facing a frightening medical diagnosis, one degenerating into a furious confrontation with his doctor, the other a painful session with a grown daughter who really doesn’t want to be brought into closer intimacy with her dad, especially if he may be suffering a terminal illness.

Such scenes demonstrate this playwright’s gift for strong naturalistic dialogue and persuasive characterization. But over-all, the material doesn’t connect. MacIvor has this habit of coming up with strong narrative and thematic lines, which he then proceeds to clutter up by going off on unnecessary tangents employing extraneous material. Ultimately, In On It something of a mess, although the production has its moments, and contains some good performances from people who cannot be identified because no cast list is supplied.

In On It

By Daniel MacIvor

Too Much Sugar Productions, Ottawa

Arts Court Theatre