FRINGE THEATRE: Violence and Son

June 20^th

     This was a very unique theatre experience. I have never attended a show in the round and this production was directed that way but it was even more of an intimate experience. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and I think that the director understood and utilized the audience on all sides. There was never a moment when I felt that one side was getting their faces the most; it was balanced. Seeing a show this way made me want to direct in this kind of setting. The transitions to signify later in the night were a little confusing to me. I don’t watch Doctor Who and each transition was based around Doctor Who references and I just didn’t see the meaning behind those transitions outside of Liam, the son, being a fan of the show. It was a smart way to give time to actors to get ready and prepped for the next scene though.

     The father and son duo were really great. I enjoyed seeing their interactions and their differences. I wasn’t a big fan of the young girl and I think that was because I felt she was not grounded and more scattered brained. I also feel that she played the end in the beginning which didn’t leave anywhere for her to go to. The father’s girlfriend was okay but she was just more of a filler to get a better understanding of the father and how he thinks and what it means for him to be nicknamed violence. The play itself was an interesting take on what we pass to our children and how even opposite opinioned people can be alike. It also had a good story on what “no” means in a sexual relationship and the two sides to the story. It made me feel sad to think that these type of stories happen all the time with no consequences when something should be said. It’s scary.

     The show didn’t blow me away or leave me amazed and in awe but it did make me think, which is what shows should do. I think it was a great fringe experience and it does make me want to go back to that theatre and see what other shows they produce if they are as meaningful as this one was.