Ottawa Fringe 2011: Wet Dream Catcher.

We all have moments of shame. We have elements of ourselves we keep hidden, whether it be our fantasies or our opinions. It is the job of Miss Nancy (portrayed by RC Weslowski) to collect all of these musings and thought wash them of their shame. This is achieved through the wet dream catcher, a giant eye that can see though each of our defenses and bring out our inner-most thoughts, no matter how embarassing. The story follows the main (and only) character through his initaition into the job. The low-tech show is audience-interactive and seeks to bring out peals of laughter.

Although there were moments when this was indeed the case, the Wet Dream Catcher still has some work to do. There was a sight lack of focus in the story telling. I could not really understand why this particular story had to be told. The play had many opportunities for depth and wit that were not necessarely brought to fruition. Weslowski often brings up self-conscious asides about the acting and writing which the show could have done without and which brought the level of professionalism down a notch. Having said this, the Wet Dream Catcher did have people laughing, stomping and hollering, showing its potential as a great comedic piece which says something about the liberation we could have if we just rid ourselves of that ever-present shame.

Fringe festival tickets and information: 613-232-6162, ottawafringe.com.

Maja Stefanowska,

Ottawa, June 17, 2011