My overall impression
“Or Dare” is the shared title given to these two one-act plays and although both are very different, the theme is similar… how important is honesty, if it is the lies that can set you free?
The first one-act, Viki Boyle’s “The Whole Truth” is an intriguing play that opens on two women sharing a bedroom. They clearly have a history, but don’t know each other that well. The chemistry between the actors, Jennifer Ashe and Kate Whitney elevates the play from very good to great. They parry back and forth like old friends desperately trying to avoid the elephant in the room. The play was funny and thought-provoking and I found myself wanting to know more about the characters and what happened to them after the play ended.
The second one-act, Andrea Goyan’s “Cornered” pits a young waitress waiting for her bus against a troubled woman claiming to be the restaurant manager’s sister. The two end up in a Truth or Dare battle to prove to each other who is the most real, regardless of the truth. Goyan has a true knack for dialogue, which the actors clearly enjoyed throwing at each other.
I highly recommend “Or Dare”. It’s fast past and fun with solid writing, directing and acting. A definite must for this year’s Fringe Fest.
