Reviewed by Amanda Dookie
Don’t Go Down To The River: A Cautionary Tale
by Jessica Gardiner
JIG theatrecompany
60 min / Drama, Solo / G
The children of the Shaw family were always told not to go down to the river, but where they ever told why? Take a tour of the Shaw family’s house located just off the banks of the Ottawa River in this solo performance created by Jessica Gardiner. But whatever you do, Don’t Go Down To The River.
Don’t Go Down to the River: A Cautionary Tale weaves together a series of both fictional and non-fictional stories resurrecting the ghosts of the Shaw family’s past. The big mystery of the story is not immediately apparent, but over time it does unfold in a structured fashion that shouldn’t leave audience members too confused.
While the buildup to the mystery was a bit lengthy, there’s a subtly to the both the acting and the writing and theatregoers who appreciate that type of a performance will like this play.
I immediately appreciated that the acting was not over-exaggerated and the actor’s constrained, almost unemotional demeanor suited the character well. The set was very simple, with a handful of props and uniform lighting throughout. I liked that the story was situated in Ottawa, creating a connection with the local community.
Audience members with hearing difficulties should sit closer to the stage as unfortunately there was a fan that ran continually from the left side of the room which may make it hard to hear.
Don’t Go Down to the River is not an overly exciting drama, but that’s not to say that there isn’t a small surprise waiting for you in this eerie tale told by Shaw family’s oldest daughter.
Don’t Go Down To The River: A Cautionary Tale by Jessica Gardiner is playing at the ODD Box (2 Daly Ave) until Sunday June 18, 2017. Tickets cost $12 online and at the door. Visit ottawafringe.com for the show schedule and box office info. Apt613 is trying to see every show on opening weekend of the 2017 Ottawa Fringe Festival. Read more reviews at apt613.ca/fringe.
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