Breath in Between (Breath Collective with Crow’s Theatre) 2012 SummerWorks Review

Breath in Between is a two-person show that explores the act of life and death in the same breath and the mysterious attraction between two people. Playing at the Theatre Passe Muraille main space, this is a show rich with monologue, expression and the unexpected that is a great SummerWorks selection but maybe not for the faint of heart.

Roger (Paul Fauteux) has placed an ad in a newspaper looking for people to kill, two people respond. This act sends Robert down an existential ride to ponder the meaning of life and death within a “pinprick of a moment” and to explore what it means to capture life. Soon, he meets Amy (Amy Rutherford) and the two fall in love. But soon Amy is caught up in the whirlwind of Roger’s delusions spiraling rapidly into an ultimate catharsis.

The performance is highly emotive and often shocking. The language can be rather adult and provocative; a performance for mature audiences only.

There is an underlying line of dark humor that strings on throughout the show, a dark humor that is met with an uneasy laughter, an audience reacting to awkwardness and “did he actually say that?” From the devouring of the hearts of exotic species (and human) to the comparison of  ‘that scene from Alien‘ to that of giving birth. There are numerous discussion points that will leave your jaw dropped and stunned.

The set is minimal, the story told in a series of monologues spliced with interactive scenes, flashbacks, metaphors, and masks. Masks to represent those who have answered Roger’s ad, masks that also lead the audience down the path to delusion and trapped personalities.

My friend Derek joined me for the performance and left it as shocked as I was. We both found the performance delightfully bizarre and baffling. Taking a few moments to recover from a common speechlessness, we shared in how twisted and obscene we found the performance, and how we enjoyed it for just those reasons.

It’s not a show for everyone. In fact, the oddness of the performance is enough to turn some away. But if you’re game for jumping down the rabbit hole and being taken on a ride on the other side of unusual then be prepared to take a Breath in Between.

Details

  • Breath in Between plays at the Theatre Passe Muraille main space, (16 Ryerson Avenue)
  • Performances are Sunday the 12th at 8 pm, Monday the 13th at 5:30 pm, Wednesday the 15th at 10:30 pm, and Saturday the 18th at 12:30 pm.
  • All individual SummerWorks tickets are $15 at the door (cash only). Tickets are available online at ticketwise.ca, by phone by calling the Lower Ossington Box Office at 416-915-6747, in person at the Lower Ossington Box Office (located at 100A Ossington Avenue) Mon. – Sun. 12 pm – 7 pm (Advance tickets are $15 + service fee)
  • Several money-saving passes are available if you plan to see at least 3 shows.

Photo of Paul Fauteaux and Amy Rutherford by Gunter Kravis.