Fringe looks at being lost in space, and two lost souls
Reviews from the Orlando Fringe’s Winter Mini-Fest:
‘Interstellar Elder’
Performer Ingrid Hansen’s “Interstellar Elder” is a little outside the theatrical box. The setting of “Interstellar Elder” is a ways off the beaten path, as well — Hansen plays a woman adrift in a spaceship as she guards all that’s left of humankind. Her story is told through physical comedy and clowning; Hansen has a flair for both.
The Canadian performer also has a way of touching on the essence of humanity: our fear of loneliness, our sense of compassion, our need for entertainment.
The Fringe Factor: An interlude with a puppet “parasitic spore” is beautifully choreographed as the puppet itself, while constructed of simple materials, magically takes on a sinister life of its own.
Curtain Call: The enterprise runs a bit long, and “Interstellar Elder” never really instills the sense of urgency or fear you’d expect from a woman-alone-in-space yarn. But at the Winter Mini-Fest, it’s the Fringiest of the Fringe.
Where & When: Pink venue, 70 minutes. 5:45 p.m. today.
‘VarieTease: Room 100’
The latest installment of Blue Star’s VarieTease performance art/dance franchise is a drug-fueled romp in the heyday of punk rock. But if you think that “VarieTease: Room 100” is a celebration of debauchery and depravity, guess again.
Star and her troupe are reliving the last days of Nancy Spungen and her boyfriend, Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols. Drug abuse, domestic violence and murder make this the darkest “VarieTease” I’ve seen, but, boy, is it compelling.
Star plays doomed Nancy, with Jack Kreeger as Sid. It’s doubtful the real Nancy was as graceful, almost elegant, as Star, who beautifully conveys her love-hate relationship with Sid – and heroin. Kreeger, for his part, is riveting. He’s a wreck of a human being, and every movement conveys that.
The Fringe Factor: It’s about sex, drugs and rock — but with its creepy vibe and somber end, this might be the strongest anti-drug message ever seen at the Fringe.
Curtain Call: From the ensemble of temptresses haunting this shattered scene to the melodramatic lighting, “Room 100” is a stylish look at two quickly sinking ships.
Where & When: Black venue, 45 minutes. 4:20 p.m. today.