Ottawa Fringe: The Shape of a Girl tackles the issue of bullying head on

 

Joan MacLeod’s play The Shape of a Girl, inspired by the 1997 murder of Reena Virk in Saanich, BC, pulls no punches in its depiction of bullying among girls and the disastrous consequences it has on all of those involved, including the victim, bystander and bully. The production at Ottawa Fringe, directed by Sabrina Casanova, is one that does due justice to the difficult subject matter presented onstage. The play tells the story of a young teenager from Vancouver Island, Braidie, who is affected by the murder of Virk amidst witnessing a similar situation play out within her own friend circle. Having three young actors (Zuzia Kochanowicz, Eve Beauchamp and Hayley Dennis) portray the role of Braidie creates a unique dialogic effect between the conflicting thoughts that are expressed by her. This choice of casting multiple actors is arguably more engaging than having only one would have been, as the internal tension within Braidie is displayed more overtly with each actor voicing a different sentiment.

Truly harrowing moments in the play, such as the relaying of the details around Virk’s murder, are also performed well to effect sizable emotional impact. The set and lighting of this production each served to complement the story onstage: the towel-covered chairs were manipulated to sufficiently represent different settings and activities, and spotlights used to give immediacy to dramatic moments. Most of all, however, the play’s powerful message about bullying is effectively transmitted through the efforts of the cast and crew.

The Shape of a Girl continues until June 23 in the LabO venue as part of the Ottawa Fringe Festival. For information and tickets, see https://ottawafringe.com/shows/the-shape-of-a-girl/