Transitions
Created by Ron Davies
Produced by Overbridge Productions
60m
Content notes: Sexual content, Mental health
By Eve Beauchamp
What do you get when you throw three people—from different generations, of different physical states, with different perspectives on life—in a room together?
A family. A really real one.
Transitions follows three tightly-woven characters: Richard (Peter Froehlich), a grandfather being moved out of his cherished home and into senior living, Maggie (Michelle Leblanc), a mother weathering menopause and the everchanging waters of parenthood, and Michael (Jay Quesnel), a trans teen trying to find his place in the world. Finding the careful connections between the experience of aging and the side effects of gender dysphoria, this show explores Transitions in every sense of the word.
This is Fringe at its most classic—simple, touching, and universal. It’s not often that you get to witness such genuine and honest connections and relationships explored in this important new work by powerhouse emerging playwright Ron Davies.
Through effective directing from the award-winning Patrick Gauthier, the show lets the story and the performances take centre stage. And boy, do they ever. Leblanc’s performance as a strong matriarch on the brink of collapse left many of us teary eyed, and Quesnel’s raw honesty made it impossible not to feel for his character’s struggle to assert his identity to his family. The real highlight, however, is Peter Froehlich’s outstanding depiction of the aging Richard. Without ever having to move from his seat, Froehlich commands the audience’s attention at all times. His cleverly placed jokes and impeccable comedic timing always found ways to disturb the dusting of seriousness that settled itself on the room and made even the most painful moments just that slight bit more digestible.
As much as this show may inform cisgender audiences on the struggles of being trans, the sensitive and graphic content may be a little much for those who relate to Michael’s story. Some of the material may be considered triggering and I would recommend those who identify within the queer community to heed the content warnings and tread carefully.
That being said, in our contemporary world where queer lives continue to be at risk, Transitions is a story that demands telling. I would recommend this to anyone, but specifically urge the Richards, the Maggies, and those looking at the current attacks on trans rights to leave their comfort zone and attend this beautiful piece—it may just completely change your outlook.
Transitions is playing at Arts Court Theatre until June 24, 2023. Visit ottawafringe.com/fringe/ for the schedule and box office info. Read more reviews at https://apt613.ca/category/festival/fringe/.
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