Fresh Meat Festival Offers Variety to Ottawa Theater Scene

Fresh Meat 3, an annual showcase of 20-minute, original theatrical performances by local artists, is definitely an important contribution to the theatre scene in Ottawa. Here, ideas meet the stage and, sometimes, it gives rise to young, emerging artists. Will this year’s showcase discover a “true gem,” is yet to be seen.

As far as the first three shows go it seems that there is a potential, but there is still a lot more work to be done.

The first stop is My Cardboard Life, written and performed by Jonah Allingham with directorial contribution by Katie Swift.

This is a story about Jasper who works in a cardboard factory. After realizing that his private life is no more than a series of repetitive actions (sleep, eat, work), he accuses the cardboard in his factory and tries to destroy it. Finally, he finds out that the cardboard is indestructible, and that, if he wants to change his life, he must leave it (or escape from the routine). While the idea is worth exploring, the execution is not there. There is a lot missing, starting with the energy. Jonah seems to be a good writer, but his acting should be on quite a different level. The only convincing moment in his performance was when he asked the audience to help. Then, his desperation looked more genuine and his voice and facial expression approached the feeling of helplessness that he tried to portray.

Stop number two: Me and My Monster, a physical solo show created and performed by Megan Carty and directed by Paul Griffin.

This is an exploration of our inner monsters, the dark side of us. It is partially a documentary (an interview footage where a number of people talk about life with their own monsters) and partially a choreographed representation of the feeling of fear and the wish (and inability) to escape and resolve the problem. Megan portrays inner battles of a young girl. For the most part, her movements are too exaggerated and her facial expressions do not match the feelings. Her best moments are those when fear seems to be overtaking, and she is almost defeated, sitting on the floor and looking like a ragged doll. Only her face tells her true feelings, and the audience can understand (and almost hear) her misery.

Stop number three: Forstner and Fillister, written and performed Will Somers and David Benedict Brown and directed by Karin Brown.

This is a very funny and very well executed show. Forstner and Fillister are brothers who are experts in woodworking. They are ready to show you all they know. The problem is their skills are not quite the same, and, not only in woodworking!  Gradually, and very skilfully, the actors confront each other in a number of problems, including jealousy, betrayal, and anger. They are natural and hilariously funny. The only problem they have is at the very end. They do not finish a show on as high a note as they started. The moment when the two brothers are reconciled by the love for their trade, but also by brotherly love is completely unconvincing. Connection is missing, especially as they look at the audience, when they should look at each other. Still, this is a very good comedy, definitely worth seeing.

Fresh Meat 3 runs from October 16th to October 25th at Arts Court Library.