Advertisement

Culture Theatre

Fringe review: Dominion

DOMINION by Steven Griffin (Campfire). At Annex Theatre. July 8 at 2:15 pm, July 10 at 4 pm, July 11 at 11 pm, July 12 at 11, July 14 at 4 pm. See listing. Rating: NNN

Playwright and director Steven Griffin offers an intriguing premise for this promising dramatic two-hander: a pair of park rangers stationed in isolated watchtowers strike up an unlikely friendship over walkie talkies and through binoculars.

Wyatt (Cameron Smith), a veteran watchman, is joined in the field by Johnathan (Scott Murray), a total newcomer to the profession seeking solitude to write a novel. Wyatts rural mistrust of Johnathans urban sensibilities frames their awkward camaraderie as the pair keep an eye on incoming storms, smoldering campfires and a notorious grizzly bear.

Smith is captivating and endlessly watchable as the folksy-yet-guarded Wyatt, coming off like a young Philip Seymour Hoffman. Griffins concept shows lots of potential, but the plot could use streamlining the tangle of issues that come to a head in the climax could be pared down and introduced more clearly earlier on.

Also, Griffin, along with co-director Meghan Landers, should consider making some space between the two watchtowers (which are placed directly next to each other at center stage as if sharing a wall, even though they are played as very far apart) since the current setup feels crowded.

In need of a few tweaks, Dominion showcases Griffin and Smith as talents to watch.

Advertisement

Exclusive content and events straight to your inbox

Subscribe to our Newsletter

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By signing up, I agree to receive emails from Now Toronto and to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Recently Posted