Ottawa Fringe: Timmy, the Dog, Disappears a Bizarre Hidden Gem at Ottawa Fringe 2019
A box set, a couch, a nuclear family, a dinner party; we have seen this show before, or so we think. Timmy, the Dog, Disappears, is a wickedly funny comedy by Martin Dockery, presented by Black Sheep Theatre. It is difficult to describe this show without peppering in spoilers, but in short, do not let your own misconceptions fool you; Timmy, the Dog, Disappears is neither a played-out-farce nor a skit expanded into a too-long play. Timmy, the Dog, Disappears is deeply amusing and at times nihilistic, with nuanced social commentary to spare and great performances all around.
Timmy, the Dog, Disappears follows a family dinner in the aftermath of the university-age daughter, Shawna’s, recent return home from school. Jason emerges from an unexpected piece of furniture, the father comes home from work with a few coworkers, and the party can begin. The play’s humour often hinges upon miscommunication and random instances of being misheard; this fares terribly for Bob, who simply needs directions, but who no one can appear to understand. The play takes itself appropriately seriously; the bizarre antics of the play’s universe are all completely normal to the show’s inhabitants (perhaps with the exception of Shawna, who serves as our liaison between regular time and space and that of Timmy, the Dog, Disappears).
Timmy, the Dog, Disappears dramaturgically uses its space in a way that’s oh-so-tantalizing for its audience; we know something is in the closet, that there is space there beyond what we should suppose given the constraints of the set walls, but we are never given the satisfaction of knowing what exactly lies just beyond the living room. This instance of imaginary action space – this closet where things happen that we as an audience don’t get to be privy to – keeps us on our toes, and keeps us wanting more.
The appearance of a neighbourhood police officer adds a socially-conscious edge to the play; the characters in this world baselessly love their home county (at times enough to sacrifice those they love). Timmy, the Dog, Disappears’ strength is in not giving any indication as to whether or not this patriotism is another random layer of humour, or a subtle jab at contemporary politics. Either way, it leaves room for analysis and discussion, which is a core tenet of great theatre.
Timmy, the Dog, Disappears, should be a welcome addition to any Fringe schedule; see this show if you have a penchant for the absurd (and eggplant parm)!
Timmy, the Dog, Disappears runs through June 22. For full scheduling, visit www.ottawafringe.com/schedule. Timmy, the Dog, Disappears is in Venue 3, Academic Hall.