Caws & Effect

NOTE: This show was reviewed at the 2014Winnipeg Fringe Festival.

STARS

Fringers will be flocking to see Caws & Effect, so make like an early bird and get your tickets now. This is a gorgeous and wondrous work of art. Through overhead projections, a lovely layered soundtrack, masks and movement, the audience is immersed in a fable of two birds.

If you remember overhead projection from math class as I do, you may think of it as a static tool for presenting equations. In the hands of Vancouver's Chlo Ziner and Jessica Gabriel it's everything but. The projector is a magical tool for bringing their story to life. They're ingenious at using it to stunning cinematic effect. Through delicate manipulations they make birds soar, fish swim, eggs crack. They seamlessly transition from one scene to the next, moving across panoramic landscapes, and zooming in on the tiniest detail. The 45-minute show is dense with "wow" moments. You won't want to blink for fear of missing one.

For all its artistry there's not a speck of pretension here. The pathos is leavened with humour in the form of animal puns. (Remember the title is Caws & Effect).

The whole thing is an impressive feat, worth seeing more than once. And as a bonus it's suitable for young Fringers. Kids under eight might get a little restless but they'll no doubt enjoy the wiggling worms.

Thursday was the debut of this show. Ziner and Gabriel claim it will improve. It's hard to believe it can get any better.