@interWEBBED
Created by Lauren Brady
Produced by HEYwire (Edmonton, Canada)
60M | 14+
Content Warning: Mature Language, Sexual Content, Audience Participation, Violence, Mental Health Topics, Flashing Lights, Abrupt Loud Noise
By Stephanie Wobensmith
Not long ago, Ted lost their only friend. Their friend Steve is lost forever. Try as they might, members of the audience step in to try to fill in for Steve, but Ted is still overcome by grief, loss, and loneliness. This is the start of Ted’s journey to find a new friend, even possibly a few friends, by any means necessary.
For a theatrical piece built around a non-human clown, @interWEBBED is incredibly deft at capturing the very human challenge of loneliness. It is a sharp commentary on the challenging trade-offs social media asks us (or demands us) to make and create connections online. When someone loses their only in-person connection, can virtual friendship provide a viable alternative? If it indeed can, what do we lose in the process?
Ted’s journey seamlessly interweaves aspects of dance, horror, drag, clowning, and improv to create a truly unique and interactive performance.
The performer bringing Ted to life flawlessly shifts between emotions and theatrical genres. Technology and improv are used throughout the show to engage with the audience, ensuring everyone in the theatre is an active participant.
@interWEBBED touches on heavy themes right from the start and throughout the hour long performance. That said, the show does so with a light touch, using spot-on comedy and surreal interpretations of modern life to ensure that the story never feels too dark.
It was a fun (and funny) romp through dance, horror, and comedy, with Ted never ceasing to engage with the audience sincerely. Ted’s journey will leave you both with a whole heart and questioning the world. @interWEBBED is a must-see show at the Ottawa Fringe Festival this year.
@interWEBBED is playing at the Arts Court Theatre until June 25, 2023. Visit ottawafringe.com/fringe/ for the schedule and box office info. Read more reviews at https://apt613.ca/category/festival/fringe/.
