Created by Jackie McKeown
Produced by homespun productions, Gatineau, QC
Review by Vanessa Foran
45 mins / 14+ / Drama, Mental Health
The Prism of Jane Doe is a one woman show about a retired interior decorator who embarks on a “Wee Scottish Design Tour.” In a gift shop, she encounters a curious figure who challenges her experience of the world behind and before her.
It takes time to perfect a show. Performing solo on the opening night of the performance, Jackie McKeown showed great skill and courage for taking on this difficult role.
Banner image for The Prism of Ms. Jane Doe. Photo provided.
That said, The Prism of Jane Doe was a little difficult to follow. By trying to address several themes and ideas at once, the message got lost at times in its mash up of folk songs, expository dialogue, and long monologues on the history of Scotland
However, it was clear that Prism was just a first draft, and I think that with more time it could become something better. Jackie McKeown’s creation is original, and she is a talented actor who has mastered the Scottish accent. I would be interested to see what she does next, because I can tell she has a big imagination and fresh perspective.
The Prism of Ms. Jane Doe is playing at Studio 1201 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 two satellite box offices (LabO in the Ottawa Art Gallery 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.
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