Monologues are tough to pull off because great acting ability and a moving story are essential to its success - plus audiences really need to make a connection in some way with the character in the show. The Session, playing at the Windsor-Walkerville Fringe Festival, although a tiny bit long, succeeds on a few different levels.
The Session tells the story of Leslie, a young incarcerated woman who is forced to undergo a psychiatric assessment and discuss her life story. Through an extensive and emotional meeting, which must have been thoroughly exhausting and mentally draining for actress Rais Mendes-Clarke, we learn about a mental illness that peaked with a passionate and violent murder.
This show was all about dialogue, movements and emotions. The stage was bare, except for a makeshift couch; there were only two costumes – an orange jumpsuit and a short dress, which was neatly tucked under the jumpsuit. This gave Mendes-Clarke a chance to explore the character through a series of memories, actions and emotional breakdowns.
The Session is a great example of the deep, dark and emotional side of Fringe. Not everything in life is fluffy, rosy, and sugarcoated. With this play we got the dirt, the grime and the mildew of what mental and physical abuse can do to someone. If you’re looking for something a little deeper, this is a great Fringe selection. It still plays Saturday (July 28) at 9 pm and Sunday (July 29) at 6 pm. Tickets and Fringe buttons are still available.
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