Created by Karine Charland
Produced by Joint Puddle Productions | Ottawa, ON
Review by Ireen Savoy
45-55 mins / 14+
Anyone who harbours any resentment against technology will chuckle at this original play. This show follows a married couple who ends up in quirky and unfortunate situations involving technology such as a home assistant, a GPS, and cellphones.
The actors are dynamic and fun, making crowd participation feel natural. The overall story is goofy, but the messaging is clear: do not let technology control you. The play invites the audience indirectly to look inward at their own lifestyles and the involvement of technology in them.
Banner for Jack and Diane vs. Technology. Photo provided.
The crew indirectly takes part in the play, breaking the fourth wall during scene transitions or holding props on stage during the play, adding a layer of humour to the whole thing. The audience is also given props to use during the show, making this play that much more dynamic.
Overall Jack and Diane vs. Technology is good fun, and any tech cynic will rejoice at the opportunity to have a laugh at Big Tech’s expense.
Jack and Diane vs. Technology is playing at LabO from June 12–21. Tickets are $14 plus service fees at the Fringe box office (3rd floor, Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue), and at the three satellite box offices (LabO in the Ottawa Art Gallery, Fringe Courtyard, 67 Nicholas St and La Nouvelle Scène). Five and ten Show Passes are also available. Visit the Ottawa Fringe Festival’s website for the show’s schedule and check out their online schedule here.
