Production: Confessions: Three Monologues

Writers: RM Vaughn, Alicia Novak, Deborah Victoroff

Director: Josue Leboucane

Cast: Marisa Smith, Alicia Novak, Evan Frayne

Theatre: Agro Cafe

Showing: Sept 4-6 & Sept 10-14

Vancouver Fringe Festival 2008

Reviewed by: Colette Gunson (Vancouver Correspondent - Canada)

As I take my seat amongst the thirty or so wooden chairs lined up in front of a small stage in Granville Island’s Agro Café, a trio of young musicians fill the lofty space with pleasing folk tunes. The air smells of cinnamon and steamed apple cider, a subtle reminder that autumn has officially arrived. As the barista tops off the last latte, the crowd settles and the lights dim. One by one, a psychologically unstable mother, a naïve waitress and an American soldier bare their souls in three twenty-minute monologues.

First up is The Susan Smith Tapes (Vaughn). Susan Smith (Marisa Smith), dressed in white prison coveralls, sets up a video camera and proceeds to record video letters to Oprah, Jerry Springer and Barbara Walters in hopes that they will help voice her side of the story she begins to reveal. Smith explains that the warden has put her “on sandwiches”—meaning that she cannot eat anything requiring a fork and knife for fear that she may try to kill herself. We eventually find out that the suicidal tendencies of this young mother have lead to a tragic event that has landed her in prison. Despite the dark subject matter, comic relief occurs throughout. Marisa Smith’s persuasive portrayal of this southern bell turned murderer is as captivating as it is chilling.

Next up is Tight Rope, an original piece written and performed by Studio 58 grad, Alicia Novak. Novak plays a young naïve waitress turned Internet porn entrepreneur who finds herself on shaky ground clinging to superficial ideals for support. In between her red-lit bedroom broadcasts, she discovers a passion that doesn’t rely on her looks.

Letter From a Soldier (Victoroff) is the story of an American soldier stationed in Iraq who is trying to keep his distance from the locals. When Aslam, a young Iraqi boy befriends the soldier, he is forced to reflect upon his ideas of ‘us’ versus ‘them’. Touching on themes of patriotism, cultural difference and identity, Letter From a Soldier reminds us that there is a human face to the other side if we are willing to acknowledge it.

Confessions offers three entertaining acts for the price of one with the added perk of being able to sip your latte while enjoying the show.