Dirt: a passionate effort

This sketch of an Iraqi named Saddam - an illegal immigrant in (unnamed city) earning money by selling roses - is written as a bitter and complex inner-dialogue-made-public. It turns in on itself through repeated phrases just as the character's mind obsessively circles his own pain.

This story, although specific and unique, could easily be compared to other illegals': coming to the West in search of the beautiful life only to find struggle and hatred. But, the production doesn't quite come together to give the material the presentation it requires to really work.

At the most superficial level, actor Christopher Domig's accent slips around enough to be somewhat distracting. The intensity of the play's presentation of human suffering is made beautiful through skillful writing - but this artistry needed to be met by a physical presentation with layers of emotion to keep the piece from becoming a diatribe. Instead, Mr. Domig's portrayal seemed more to be leaning on the script than elevating it from it's rhetorical heaviness. His passionate effort was obvious, but didn't communicate what was needed to bring the character to life while still inspiring reflection and empathy in the audience.

Dirt is as part of this year’s Vancouver Fringe Festival.  For more information go here.