What I liked
“Toys” may be the simplest concept for a show in this year’s Fringe – you watch as a woman (portrayed with creepy intensity by Christina Evans) reveals the emotional devastation of being a victim in a hellish situation. Choosing movement to explore such a disturbing topic as sex trafficking is unique and it allows the performer to become a symbol of many victims rather than telling the story of just one.
A one point during the performance, a simple, perverse twist on a lullaby solidified for me the horror of the entire show. During those quiet heartbreaking moments, Evans showed me a broken soul and it was gut-wrenching.
Never stepping anywhere near exploitation or shock tactics, this is about simple changes of expression or physical moment to convey the damage being inflicted upon this innocent victim. Featuring a brief running time of less than 30 minutes, “Toys” is a powerful, poignant glimpse into hell.
What I didn't like
The brief running time is understandable, it emphasizes the point of the piece. However, I feel a little more exploration could be interesting and reveal more aspects of the subject matter. In saying this, though, I wonder if that would be too dark to enjoy?
My overall impression
A dark, moody interpretive dance performance art piece, “Toys” explores the emotional devastation of being a victim caught up in a situation too hellish to possibly survive.
