Roller Derby Saved My Soul

From its description, I knew that this was a show that I wanted to see. Not just because I would catch every Buffy (the Vampire Slayer) reference, but also because I was intrigued to learn how and why Amy would transform herself. Nancy Kenny's one-woman roller derby adventure has been touring the Fringe circuit since May. The delivery was polished, the story was heart-warming, and show was so much fun to see.

Amy loves stories about superheroes and chosen ones, but she herself has never tested her own strength. She has also always been overshadowed by her younger sister, June. So when she is invited to see June play in a roller derby match, and mysteriously finds herself signing up for try-outs, perhaps she has finally discovered the challenge that could test her mettle.

I enjoyed seeing Amy question who she might be becoming. She was struggling with a pretty ambitious change, from shy recluse to bold team mate, as well as falling head over heels in love for the first time. It was inevitable that someone close to her would get hurt, and then the big questions come out. Is Amy the hero or the villain? Is it better to stand alone or be part of a team?

Nancy's physical portrayal of the characters was amazing and absorbing (on skates, no less). This is one of my favourite performances of the Fringe this year.