Another successful year of the Infringement Festival wrapped up on Saturday night. The top shows throughout the week were performed again for the Best of the Fest: “Men of Principle” by Connor Adsett, Cameron Van Buskirk, Dylan Jackson, Katie Lawrence, and Alex Retzer; “Jonah is a Shape-Shifting Alien” by Jacob Hermant; “Door Play” by Zach Greenham, Julia Schultz, Edie Reaney Chunn, and Amy Muir; and “Groundhog Daze” by Alex Rose.
Realistically, if it had been up to me, I’d have seen all of the shows again. It’s impossible to choose a favourite because each one is so different and has so many things to like about it.
“Door Play” was an impressive collaboration; it was comparatively long, with a large cast. This was a hilarious and intentionally messy take on a murder mystery, drawing on absurdism and metatheatre. Almost all characters had scripts with them, whether intentional or not, they made it work with the humour of the play. Some aspects of staging and style of comedy, as well as some casting, reminded me of the recent production of “Ubu Roi” written by Alfred Jarry and directed by Edie Reaney Chunn, who also a co-wrote “Door Play.” It was clear from audience reactions that this was a wildly entertaining performance.
The show to wrap up the event, “Groundhog Daze,” was arguably shorter, and also pulled on some metatheatre elements. The plot centres around a news anchor who gets stuck in a time loop, repeating the same morning over and over again. After a few rounds, an annoyed technician shouted down to the director, Noah Harrison, wondering how long it was supposed to go on for. After Noah and the cast insisted it got “really good” after the next loop, they were able to go again. Instead of ending with the anchor falling asleep again, he is suddenly shot by his co-worker.
This year’s festival literally went out with a bang.
I started reviewing the KTS at last year’s Infringement Festival, and I can definitely say this year’s audience was much larger and more lively. Given the completely packed house, I think it’s very safe to say that this year’s festival was a huge success.
Well done to all the talented writers, cast, crew and wonderful producers who made this festival possible! I’m certain we are all excited to see what the KTS has in store for the 2018 winter season.
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