A Little Bit Much
Created by Chela Davison
Produced by Chela Davison, Bowen Island
Review by Cristina Paolozzi
55 min / 14+ / Storytelling, Comedy, Drama, Solo / Mature language, Sexual content, Smoking, Mental Health
This solo show by Chela Davison compacts her experiences growing up navigating the world as a woman who was always told she was “a little bit much”. This funny yet emotional performance brings together the ridiculousness of a capitalistic society trying to squish women in every kind of box, and the heavy realities of coming to terms with the things you cannot change.
Barefoot in a groovy jumpsuit, Davison is able to command the space, while still taking care to remain intimate and present while she details her experiences like seeking wisdom at silent retreats, and the birth of her two children.
Chela Davison in A Little Bit Much. Photo provided.
Her narrative covered all kinds of topics that were not only personal to her, but relatable as another extension of navigating womanhood confidently and without apologies. She mentions her time growing up in the ‘80s and ‘90s, to starting her own business, finding love and parenting, all while understanding that being a little bit much isn’t the diss that society tells you it is.
While this show is a comedy, Davison was visibly emotional retelling some of her experiences, which didn’t come off as melodramatic but incredibly honest. For a night of laughter and tears (but the good kind), this show is worth a watch.
A Little Bit Much is playing at ODD Box from June 14–23. Tickets are $14 plus service fees at the Fringe box office (3rd floor, Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue), and at the two satellite box offices (LabO in the Ottawa Art Gallery and La Nouvelle Scene). 5 and 10 Show Passes are also available. Visit the Ottawa Fringe Festival’s website for the show’s schedule and check out their online schedule here.
