Generic Male: Just What We Need, Another Show About Men (Website) is professional, thought-provoking theater that I think all Fringers could benefit from seeing.
I have to be honest. After seeing the preview at the international teaser show, I thought I was going to see a thirst trap production of two men dancing with their shirts off. I really did no homework. I just knew they were handsome, and dancing, and they were from away. But after having some time to digest what I saw this evening, I’m happy to say that this was real theater, y’all. And it’s something special.
These actors have obviously honed their craft. This was a master class for all the other fledgling Fringe artists out there (and some of the stalwarts). Because they’re clearly dancers, every move had intention. Because they’ve had clown training, everything felt fresh and new, even sitting down on a folding chair or putting their hands in their pockets. Because there was some circus in there, they didn’t think linearly, even with what could have been simple stage blocking for an awkward conversation between a father and son. The movement was an intrinsic part of their dialogue. Despite a simple, bare bones set, everything was super innovative, eye-catching, and honestly, kind of sexy. But in an intellectual, Sherlock-puffing-on-a-pipe kind of way. Or like, Dr. Who fiddling with his sonic screwdriver and watching humans human their way through a puzzle kind of way.
I walked in expecting abs and left with art. The kind that makes you sit up a little straighter in your seat because you realize you’re watching people who actually know what they’re doing. Nothing was wasted. There were no crumbs. I felt like I found the Fringe golden ticket.
I think I gasped out loud during the first real solo dance sequence depicting a man going to war. I won’t say much more. But Darren Stevenson basically floated on the stage. So clearly he’s a dancer, clown, acrobat, and magician. And Ashley Jones was so charismatic it hurt. And those boys shared one of the best hugs I’ve ever seen in my life, let alone on the stage. Is that effusive? Maybe. But I don’t care.
The entire show is a device to dissect modern masculinity. Which I’m not sure some of the people in the audience really understood. Still, I think they all left with the feeling that the patriarchy has failed. War is senseless and wasteful. And that clinging to outdated stereotypes is sad and fruitless. I think it’s a testament to Stevenson and Jones’ abilities as performers that the message didn’t get caught going down, but rather soaked into our hearts through their art. Well done, gentlemen. And thanks for coming to Orlando.
Remaining Performances:
- May 19 at 7:10 p.m. $15
- May 23 at 8:25 p.m. $15
- May 24 at 1:40 p.m. $15
Event Details:
Genre: Comedy, Dance, Drama, LGBT Themes, Physical, Spoken Word, Stand Up, Storytelling, Theatre
Duration: 60 mins
Price: $15, $6
Age Rating: 13 & Up
Warnings: Adult Language
Venue: Silver
