The Fringe...That was different

Sometimes we, people, forget real intrinsic value of a story. It becomes a product. It is then mass-produced, boxed, and then sold to the highest bidder. It can be a very profitable way to think about theatre, but like any other form of expression it needs to be treated as something sacred. Storytelling, it’s one of the oldest professions. Away from West End you have the “fringe”. It is a sanctuary for new and innovative storytellers. 

I had the pleasure of seeing how this “fringe” worked. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The venue was Soho Theatre…more or less a dive bar from outside. I was intrigued to be quite honest. A little box office was segregated away from the mirth. A few steps over was a spiral staircase leading visitors to the theatres. Apparently, the façade of a bar actually had three black box theatres. That’s impressive. This establishment took great pain to perpetuate the art of theatre. Once climbing to the staircase, I came to a black-box theatre. It wasn’t very impressive. It was simple, with a simple lighting plot, and a simple configuration.  I had paid to see the one man show, Before Us. It was the brainchild of a Stuart Bowden. Upon walking in to the space I am acquainted with falsetto opera. There were no distinguishable lyrics. I was quit confused and amused. We sat in our seats when a man appears from behind a curtain wearing nothing but a green sack and green socks.  That was amusing. It was random, but amusing. I had never seen anything like this show before. There was no preparation I could have done, so I could participate as an objective critic. In the long run, I’m ok with that. The premise of the piece was about an unknown species is only left with one survivor. This creature, played by Stuart, only wanted to be remembered in a realm of solitude. The story was told through simple light cues and music. Stuart employed a loop board, synth, and ukulele. It was highlighted with great loneliness and comedy. I saw something different. It was hilarious and moving. It was so immersive; her actually had the audience end up on the floor. I can hardly explain what I saw because it was so radical. I just know it was unconventional, weird, and great storytelling.