A Retrospection - WINNER Top of the Fringe 2023

the biennale · Ages 18+ · United States of America

Content Warning includes nudity one person show world premiere
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Review by GRANT OCONNELL

June 26, 2023 certified reviewer
tagged as: risky · honest · powerful · questionable · Raw · heartfelt · profound · strange

What I liked

Rawness of emotion and unique presentation of said emotion. No one else could have created this show. I really appreciated the idea that I was special audience to a special performance; one that is true, absurd, and inspired.

What I didn't like

Haha “accessibility?” The voicemails from the future were an awesome vehicle for framing what we were witnessing. And clarity was hammered home in Claire’s honest and powerful monologue in the second half. Maybe something up at the top could be thrown our way (e.g. “the next hour is a window into…”). Maybe not though! I liked the feeling of being thrown into a state of “WTF” and, perhaps, with a bit of more framework, it would diminish that edge. Maybe you’re more confused now, maybe you’re thinking “dang, this reviewer is annoying but onto something” or maybe you’ve fallen asleep. All are valid. Thanks Claire for a great show :)

My overall impression

Impressed! Unpredictable, honest, and engaging. “A Restrospection” had me reflecting on my own existence, as I saw Claire portray hers. There was much honesty through her unique lenses of comedy, drama and singing. There is a tinderbox in her heart and she let us see some of it.

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