What A “Release”!

I am compelled to write about an experience I had Sunday, at The Edmonton International Fringe Festival.  The thoughts have been rolling around in my head, and I just now have the time to sort them out and share.  After a two hour road trip, things should flow fairly smoothly, not that I usually have any trouble with that.  Once I get off and running, it’s generally clear sailing!

We have lived in the Edmonton area, for six years now, and until this year, had only ever taken in the events at Capital Ex/K-Days, whatever it is currently being called.  This is the city of festivals, and I feel we have been remiss in enjoying, much of what this city has to offer.  To that end, we recently took in Heritage Festival, which was fabulous food and fun, and something we won’t be missing again, if we can help it.  As great an experience as that was, what I want to share was that much more.

To back track just a wee bit, those of you that have followed my posts for a while, may remember one regarding a play we took in at the Capital Theatre, in Fort Edmonton, a few months back.  I was quite proud, when the actors who were involved, shared the story, and have become friends with me, on Facebook.  When I was sent requested by two of them, for productions they are in during The Fringe, I gladly jumped in and bought tickets for both, and have been excited to see them again.  I thought that was going to be our introduction to this festival, and felt good about supporting people I have actually been exposed to, on a somewhat personal level.  Last week, that changed, when I received a personal email letting me know that a third friend was in a show, and hoped I would check it out too.  No chance I was going to say no to a personal invite, so I bought tickets for Sunday’s performance.  I am so happy I did!

When we entered the venue, which is what looks like someone’s garage from the outside, I was instantly mesmerized.  It just felt so artistic, and warm,  with a long narrow stage, that was surrounded on both sides with seats, and tables.  It was really very intimate, in that we were just a few feet from the performers, and I really loved feeling a part of the action, kind of.  Did I ever mention, I like to be noticed?  Big shocker there to the folks who know me!  The other thing I noticed right away, was that Mari Chartier, who’s character’s name turned out to be Tabitha, was sitting on the floor of the stage.  It took me about three minutes to catch her stress.  My first thought was how sad she looked, pacing, and looking out a window, checking in boxes but obviously not seeing anything.  I knew I was in for something very emotional, and very real.

Without giving too much of the plot away, the play is about a young woman dealing with the recent death of a most beloved “Nana”, and it hit home from the second I realized the premise.  The next fifty minutes were beautifully portrayed, by an extremely talented actress, and had me openly weeping.  Not only did I vividly remember the passing of my grandmother, who was also my best friend, but every time Tabitha said “Nana”, I couldn’t help thinking, and hoping really, that some day, my grandkids, who call me the same, would feel as if I were that, in their lives.  It was such an emotional story, brilliantly written and depicted.  I was so proud, when after the show, while I was still wiping away tears, Mari came to thank ME for coming to see HER.  It was a privilege to share in her magic, and it was I who was grateful that she shared it with me.  I felt very honoured to have been included in such an intimate and real story.  The only thing that was entirely too bad, was that there were so few people in the seats, because anyone missing this performance, is truly missing out on something that will touch them deeply.  She may never read this, and that’s OK, but I wanted to share some of the emotions with you folks, and, if you live anywhere near Edmonton, buy tickets to see Release, and tell them I sent you!  Do it, go buy tickets!