Reviews to help you through the hit-or-miss loveliness that is the Calgary Fringe Festival

The Human Body Project

Posted by Richard Lam in Fast Forward Fringe Blog

The Human Body Project

Artpoint Gallery

July 30, 2010

A naked woman walks onto an empty stage. She stands scriptless with a microphone in hand. She might start talking, but she might just be too nervous, instead resorting to labored breathing, downcast eyes and long stretches of silence.

For Tasha Diamont on stage, and for the audience she faces, it may be a little bit shocking, and it may be a whole lot of awkward. And that just might be the point.

Is it political? Is it art? How can anyone review this? Better yet, why not ask her? Rather than squirm uncomfortably at every creaking chair and silent gap, talk to her. If unprompted, she may talk about her past, her project, an amusing anecdote.

But engage with her and you get to the heart of the matter — the vulnerability of silence, and vice versa. She is naked for you in every way, ready to speak earnestly and openly, never pretentiously.

Step up and be the first to speak. Embrace the discomfort. Even better, go alone. Make the show what you want it to be and create the rarest of connections.

It may not be the most exciting or hilarious show of the Fringe, but it may very well be the most valuable. Where else might you have the chance to witness an audience member reveal their deepest secrets and thoughts to the crowd?


more in Theatre     |     posted Jul 31st, 2010 at 2:10am     


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