Charles Manson & Timothy Leary at Folsom Prison

This is the real Timothy Leary. This is not an actor.

Based on a true story, Attention Theatre’s recreation of a brief and bizarre encounter between the 60s’ most famous champion of LSD and its most famous cult leader/murderer makes for a fascinating battle of minds.

Leary encounters a crisis of conscience when he discovers that his and Manson’s methods may not have been that different, forcing himself to defend his work from his own inner doubts while fending off the verbal manipulation of a madman. A sparse set, static lighting, and jail cells only denoted by chalk outlines on the floor enhance the mood of captivity, while a confident performance from Rick Jon Egan as Leary boosts the authenticity of the piece.

Charles Manson and Timothy Leary continue as part of the ongoing Toronto Fringe Festival until July 12th. For more information lock yourself up "here":http://www.fringetoronto.com/fringe09/indoorBYOV_listings.html#C

By Justin Haigh