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Stop the universe I want to get off >> Strange Fish do it again by AMY BARRATT The orgonatron is back! Piercing the Event Horizon, previously staged by Strange Fish Productions in 1996 as part of the 20 Jours du théâtre à risque, is being remounted--and it's stranger and fishier than ever. The year is 2099. The ozone layer has been completely depleted, leaving the Earth burning hot by day and freezing cold by night. There are only two one-hour periods, at dawn and dusk, when this environment becomes livable. Those who cannot survive in this inhospitable zone must take shelter from the elements the remaining 22 hours of the day. Orgone, a horny, scatological homunculus, is stranded on this inhospitable planet, unless, of course, he can get his trusty orgonatron to blast him off. He wants to rejoin his family in the diamond-rich utopia that is Uranus (aural pun intended), but first he, or his stuffy, cone-headed alter ego Spray-On, must auction off the entire solar system in order to pay off a crushing inter-stellar debt. That is the simple premise behind Piercing the Event Horizon, currently playing at Geordie Space. On the surface, it resembles a Douglas Adams-like "Restaurant at the End of the Universe" vision. But Terry Allard's play owes less to language-y British humour than to movement and clown traditions. Performed by human chameleon Alex Ivanovici, this (essentially) one-man show is immensely challenging but he displays uncanny concentration. He plays three roles in all: Spray-On and Orgone (live), and their commander, Run-On, projected on a screen. He has found a completely distinct voice and physicality for each of them. Ivanovici is brilliant at this sort of theatre and a great casting choice by Allard, who also directs. Done in the round at Geordie Space, Event Horizon has Ivanovici soliciting lots of audience participation. Or at least seeming to. Perhaps recognizing that the problem with interactive shows is that audiences are so often loath to do their bit, Allard has created a scenario where the performer must repeatedly ask the spectators to participate, but where their participation is not really needed, or even much wanted. The plot centres on the inability of these mutant salesmen to give the universe away, let alone sell it. On opening night, however, one spectator--no doubt trying to be helpful--actually made a bid on the universe. Ivanovici improvised his way through such unexpected interjections--not to mention problems with velcro--without batting an eye. Technically, Piercing the Event Horizon is strong on all fronts. It's difficult to know where the set by Mark Buntrock ends and the props by Marie-France Labbé begin. My guess is that the two worked closely, along with special-effects technician J.B. Thibaudeau, to come up with the tin-foil-heavy, school science project-look. Eric Mongerson's other-worldly lighting is very effective, as is Jon Ascensio's soundscape. Eugénie Giasson's costume design is clever in its simplicity. I loved that, in the course of onstage transformations, Orgone's humpback was recycled as Spray-On's head extension. As for the filmed segments, featuring a "supporting cast" of talented young actors-about-town, my only problem was with the poor sound quality. Although this may have been done intentionally in order to approximate a satellite hookup, it was frustrating to feel I was missing things. Going into its sixth year, Strange Fish Productions is as energetic and innovative as ever. Anyone who likes experimental theatre that doesn't take itself too seriously should see Event Horizon. I would, however, caution that the seating consists of hard risers with nothing to lean back against. Those with back problems should stay away or book an appointment with the chiropractor in advance. >>> Tomorrow (Friday, March 27), World Theatre Day, Geordie Productions and the Quebec Drama Federation are holding an open house at their shared digs. Other theatre companies who also pick up their mail at 4001 Berri, including Strange Fish and Imago, will also be participating. Piercing the Event Horizon continues at 8 pm through Saturday, with a 3 pm matinee Sunday, at Geordie Space, 4001 Berri. Tickets $10. World Theatre Day Open House is also at 4001 Berri, from noon to 5 pm
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