What the critics are saying
Controlled cleverness
We can’t imagine more stylistically different works than Lionheart and Chaotica, a double bill of solo shows that ran last week as chaos | control at the Theatre Centre.
Thematically, though, the works were twins, about a woman sifting through her life and finding a means to move forward. Both clown-inspired but without a red nose in sight, the shows featured sharp performances by the authors. Both productions deserve a second outing.
Diana Kolpak’s Lionheart, directed by John Turner, follows lion tamer Litty as she recalls her past and current circus friends. It’s only at the moment of her death that Litty honestly faces her life. Written with heightened language and rich imagery, the piece has powerful theatricality as well, with moments of puppetry, fairy tale storytelling and bits of stage magic.
In Chaotica, Alice, played by Christel Bartelse, finds herself thrust into a board game that asks – well, forces is the better word – the confused woman to seek her heart’s desire. Combining touches of Lewis Carroll with tap dancing, physical theatre, puppets and song, writer Bartelse even managed to make the surprising audience participation sections not so scary. Under Kolpak’s direction – she was also the game’s demanding disembodied voice – Bartelse’s energetic performance was a crowd-pleaser.
Review on nowToronto.com
Two women at the cutting edge!
Whetstone Productions / Dutch Girl Productions – Diana Kolpak’s Lionheart / Christel Bartelse’s Chaotica
reviewed by Paula Citron
Lionheart written and performed by Diana Kolpak
Directed by John Turner
Chaotica written and performed by Christel Bartelse
Directed by Diana Kolpak (off stage voice)
At the Theatre Centre
Two enterprising young women banded together to put on their solo shows for a short run. Both actors come from the world of clowning and physical theatre.
Diana Kolpak’s Lionheart uses the circus metaphor. Kolpak is a lion tamer, and her relationships with Dimitry the circus owner, Max the strongman, and her male lion Garbo give insight into women who live life on the edge. That she finds bliss only when her head is in the lion’s mouth is just one of the many disturbing facets of Kolpak’s script.
Christel Bartelse’s Chaotica uses humour as her medium. Chaotica is a board game where a desperate twenty/thirtysomething looks at future possibilities by opening boxes. She also has a “Just say no card” to curtail frightening future pathways. Audience participation was part of this very funny show that also carried a strong message.
And a final thought – It’s important to experience productions on the fringe because they speak directional volumes about new wave theatre.
What people are said about CHAOTICA – London Fringe Festival
Uneven Passion
by hometowner on Sun Aug 10, 2008 4:45 am
Show really captured it’s audience but i felt like the passion wasn’t really there leading into the final moments. Although the actress is brilliant at giving her audience what they want she never seemed to find what she wanted.
Some tremendous acting here
by Joe Samuels on Fri Aug 08, 2008 9:31 am
You have to see this actor transform herself from a beautiful woman to a bloated botox-ed creature as she talks about how much she loves her body. Fine production. Terrific energy.
Talented Dutch Girl
by vidman on Thu Aug 07, 2008 12:47 pm
Chaotica was amazing. Tap dancing, audience particapation, clevery written. Very fun to watch.
Easy light fare, but not a “must see”.
by kiwi on Thu Aug 07, 2008 1:35 am
I will say that this show is very easy to watch–especially considering it revolves around a board-game formula with each space bringing something new. There are some genuinely funny moments–just wait for the “fame” bit. I was really impressed with the work part too–sorry, I don’t want to give anything away.
But it’s pretty over-the-top, which works in some parts and not so much in others. I found the constant banter with the Voice tiresome–it often seemed like she was arguing with it for the sake of keeping a dialogue going.
me too
by Ronzo the Clown on Wed Aug 06, 2008 9:17 am
Wow what a show. Christel is an amazing, talented and beautiful actor. Her tap dancing skills are impressive. Its been a real treat to have her at this year’s Fringe. Oh yeah, I was invited on stage and turned down as a possible husband (no one clapped when she asked) Oh well, I was flattered just to briefly share the stage with her. Don’t miss this one.
The BEST Show I have seen thus far!
by Debra Chantler on Wed Aug 06, 2008 6:33 am
Wow … when I come home and my daughter (who sees only 2 shows a year, mine and 1 other) is RAVING …. all I can say is WOW!!! That’s best endorsement I can give! Great Work!!
The show is funny, interactive, engaging, high energy and just plain fun. Go see this one. You wont be disappointed!
FANTASTIC DUTCH GIRL
by natecroc19 on Tue Aug 05, 2008 1:16 am
What a fabulous show. First of all, Bravo to the phenomenal lead Christel Bartelse, her phenomenal performance was the highlight of my evening (and boy, can she tap). Secondly, what an amazing idea for a show. A board game of your life. What a beautiful mix of hilarious comedy and questioning drama. I think I especially enjoyed this performance because me and two other fringe performer’s (Dale Hirlehey and Monkey Poet’s Matt Panesh) were invited up on stage to be her three possible husbands. It was such a creative idea to include her audience in her phenomenal show! Chaotica is a must see at this years fringe fest!
Wow
by bb16 on Mon Aug 04, 2008 8:20 pm
This show is so far the favorite show I’ve seen so far at the fringe! It was so well put together, and you NEVER stop laughing, and the subjects are laughing at are horrible when you think about it, but when you’re there, you’re not thinking about it, you’re laughing along when someone is beat up, you’re laughing at a person who “self mutilates.” The actor in this show makes these touchy subjects light, and comedic. This is a MUST SEE!
THIS SHOW IS AMAZING
by anne on Mon Aug 04, 2008 11:31 am
Everyone should see this, it is so much fun. Christel Bartelse is absolutely hilarious, and the show is exciting, smart, and poignant. It has something for everyone, and deals with issues that everyone can relate to. The performer is totally engaging, very brave, and an expert at comedy and improv. She doesn’t miss a beat. I loved the musical aspects, and all the surprises!
Chaotica rocks!!!!
by andy on Mon Aug 04, 2008 8:38 am
Chaotica is one of those very rare plays that one must see now in order to say “I saw it when…” in the future. This show, most emphatically, has legs and you will be hearing about it! In 55 minutes, we are treated to a whirlwind of scenes, characters, songs and expertly handled improvisation. Ms. Bartelse is a prodigiously gifted performer and writer. Innocent, confused and yet entirely willing to put her body and soul on the line for a physical gag or take an emotional risk. This is a comedy, no mistake, but there is a whisper of tragedy lurking beneath which is this play’s secret weapon. You will know what I mean. The opening night house interrupted the show five times with applause breaks and the theatre was filled with spontaneous laughter throughout. Kudos to all involved in this production. Cannot wait to see it again!
This show caused me to…
by Rev. Nuge on Sun Aug 03, 2008 2:36 pm
look up the definition of ‘Tour de Force’ to see if it applies to Ms. Bartelse and her project.
Yup.
Great show.
(and not just cuz she held my hand – ha!)
