Net - Youthful Relationships Examined

Genre Definition = Weird · Funny · Intellectual

UNCERTAIN LOVE - A POEM

Before I watched this show
I waited alone in the seats
A couple sat in front of me, then they moved behind
(It was their first Fringe they said)

Fade to black five actors entered
Two men, three women
All well-dressed as if for a family function
In fact, it was

Unexpected circumstances
People out of place & time
Mike from work (the cute guy)
He's your cousin?!??!

Who likes who? 
What path should be chosen?
Timing is so fickle
Love is uncertain

A late addition to this year's Vancouver Fringe, Net joins the festival from ODW Productions out of Victoria. It features a new script written and directed by Erika Babins with a young cast playing twenty-somethings roped into attending a 30th anniversary celebration.

We meet cousins Mike and Jon complaining about their aunts and uncles. Then we meet Jon's sister Ashley and her two best friends Sam (now dating Jon) and Isabelle (who had a crush on Jon and still might).It turns out Isabelle knows Mike from work (and a certain drunken party) but never expected to see him here!

Net offers a comedic exploration of young adult relationships set against a backdrop of long-term commitment. Each character recites an excerpt of poetry at various points in the play which offers an interesting contrast to the teasing, flirting and innuendo. The performances are fairly solid and the relationships between the characters are strong.  

Writer / director Erika Babins has created an ambitious project that has potential. At only 45 minutes long, I wonder if there is a longer play waiting to be developed that includes more characters. I really wanted to meet some of the adults who are lurking nearby and hear their perspectives on life and love. In addition, although the set is certainly functional, it may have suited the production in a design sense to have additional furnishings on the set. Overall, an interesting last-minute addition to the Vancouver Fringe - consider it if you're on Granville Island with time on your schedule for a date with a family reunion.

By Allyson McGrane
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