I began Halifax Fringe: Day 2 at a venue that was new to me- the Old Pool Hall Theatre on Almon Street. I have been told not to get too attached to it, as it’s about to get torn down and turned into condos, which makes me both infuriated and sad. Like during Doors Open Halifax, I think Fringe works best when it gives people who live and work in this community the opportunity to explore buildings rich with character in their city that they may have walked past, but have never had reason to go inside or explore. The Old Pool Hall is one of those venues that evokes its own history and encourages you to want to know more about the neighbourhood. The more we lose these spaces in favour of shiny new window buildings the more we rob ourselves of having arts spaces with creative and unique ambiance, which enriches the experience of a festival like Fringe. The potential in this building to be converted into a fully functioning multidisciplinary Arts Space, something like the Lower Ossington Theatre in Toronto, is palpable. I wish the developers who make the decisions about Halifax’s future spent a bit more time caring about what the people who live in the condos are going to do in the city for fun and fulfillment rather than only being concerned about which tiny section of real estate these people are going to own. Owning a tiny piece of a city with no soul is not a solid investment for anyone.
Hi. (Entering Burned Area). By Áine Donnelly. Old Pool Hall Theatre. (6050 Almon Street).
Áine Donnelly’
My feelings of sadness and helplessness at the impending destruction of this entire section of Almon Street were extremely apt for seeing Áine Donnelly’s beautiful show Hi (Entering Burned Area), which is also centred around the theme of loss.
We are introduced to Rodeo Debbie, a clown in a yellow dress wearing a red nose and red toque. She is shy, but eager to connect with us. She is our tour guide and wants us to feel welcome and safe in exploring the burned area of forest, which is near her home, and the recent victim of a fire. She reminds me of a mixture between Gilda Radner’s Emily Litella and Georgia Engel on the Mary Tyler Moore show. On an empty stage with no props, Donnelly creates Debbie’s cozy home, the meadow just outside her window, the lush forest and rocky landscapes that lead to the burned area. Along our journey she shares with us some of her hopes, and some of her anxieties, along with her love of words, books and the library. She is entirely earnest and vulnerable. The audience is enraptured.
Once we arrive at the burned area Rodeo Debbie and the audience confront the reminders of the life that has been lost, and yet we are also reminded that out of this destruction comes rejuvenation. The forest becomes a poignant metaphor for all the burned areas of our lives that we have experienced: burned bridges, scalded hearts, lives and plans unexpectedly reduced to ashes. We are reminded that even within the embers of destruction, the incredible resilience of nature, and of humanity offers us hope. I found myself thinking about the burned area that once existed very nearby the Old Pool Hall one hundred years ago in Halifax after the Great Explosion. Our very existence here is the manifestation of the hopes of those who survived that horrific day.
Hi (Entering Burned Area) is a gentle play. It carries you along and nourishes your heart with it’s care, empathy and thoughtfulness. It’s a lovely antidote to a deeply cynical world.
Hi (Entering Burned Area) plays at the Old Pool Hall Theatre (6050-6070 Almon). The entrance is not on the Almon Street side of the building, there’s an alleyway off Almon between where you go down to get to the Waiting Room and Windsor Street and once you get there you will see Halifax Fringe signs and then the entrance is immediately clear. The “Almon Billiards” sign is still above the door. Catch this show at the following times:
Sunday September 2nd 6:30pm
Tuesday September 4th 6pm
Thursday September 6th 7pm
Saturday September 8th 12pm
Sunday September 9th 2pm
The Commandment by Phi Rickaby. Old Pool Hall Theatre (6050-6070 Almon Street).
phil rickaby
Thomas has crashed Open Mic Night because he needs to deliver an important message from God. This is the opening of Phil Rickaby’s solo show The Commandment. According to Thomas, he was chosen for this divine mission while sitting on the toilet, and he was not at all pleased to be bothered by God, not just because he was in an awkward position, but also because he is an Atheist.
The play begins and works well as an Absurd comedy. Thomas’ predicament with God unfolds at the same time as we learn about Thomas’ relationship with Katie, which is grounded in much more Realism. God is kind of a wreck, which I guess makes sense, given the state of the world of late. His voice reminds me of Kate McKinnon’s impression of Jeff Sessions. God hopes to provide some clarity to his creations by offering them a new commandment- one so clear that not even the dumbest of humans can misinterpret it. He needs to entrust his prophet Thomas with spreading the commandment far and wide, but this religious responsibility makes Thomas feel extremely uncomfortable and he balks against it. Rickaby has some great comedic moments in the tension between Thomas trying not to be the “crazy guy” who is shouting about God’s message, and yet feeling compelled to share the Good News.
The play then takes a darker, serious and unexpected twist. I found the twist powerful and heartfelt, and liked the poetic sense of closure at the end, but Thomas’ journey from tragedy to catharsis felt a bit rushed and under-developed.
Overall, Rickaby has commanding stage presence and storytelling prowess and The Commandment is surprising in its ability to oscillate between between being very light and funny, and then taking a more somber turn that asks the audience to reflect deeper on how this revelation connects with God driving the bus.
The Commandment plays at the Old Pool Hall Theatre (6050-6070 Almon). The entrance is not on the Almon Street side of the building, there’s an alleyway off Almon between where you go down to get to the Waiting Room and Windsor Street and once you get there you will see Halifax Fringe signs and then the entrance is immediately clear. The “Almon Billiards” sign is still above the door. Catch this show at the following times:
Saturday September 1st 12:30pm
Monday September 3rd 7pm
Tuesday September 4th 10:30pm
Friday September 7th 8pm
Saturday September 8th 3pm
I’m headed off for a busy Saturday! Hope to see you around the Halifax Fringe!
