Created by Iris MacKay
Produced by Lockpick Theatre, Ottawa, ON
Review by Cristina Paolozzi
50 mins / 14+ / Adventure, Dramedy, Fantasy
Time is both an illusion and whatever you make it, in Lockpick Theatre’s production of Golden Threads.
Trapped in narratives of their own design, Cressida — the protagonist — must unravel the golden threads that bind her story and others together to break free of the curse that’s kept her trapped. This performance incorporates classic fairytale tropes (think princesses locked away in high towers, turning straw into golden thread, wicked witches) while also introducing some new re-imaginings of tales as old as time.
How wicked are those witches, really? How faithful is the love of a prince? And how strong is a bond between sisters? Or lovers?
Poster for Golden Threads. Photo by Sarah Cantin.
The cast is rather large, but this doesn’t get in the way of a really strong performance. Projection, chemistry, and delivery take centre stage with a clear plotline that brings everything together. Actors cry their most sorrowful tears and deliver the most timely punchlines, in a Fringe performance that had the whole audience hanging on their every word.
Speaking of the audience, this show was packed — and for a Monday night at 10:30pm, it’s quite the feat. Lockpick Theatre is also donating all proceeds from their show to the Ottawa Trans Library; a local theatre company supporting a local community resource is always a great thing to see in the city.
Don’t miss your chance to see this performance at Fringe!
Golden Threads 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.
