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Culture Theatre

I’m So Close…

I’M SO CLOSE… by Ravi Jain, Katrina Bugaj and Troels Hagen Findsen (Why Not Theatre). At the Theatre Centre (1087 Queen West). Runs to April 3. $20. theatrewhynot.org. See Continuing. Rating: NNNN


Technology promises to connect the world quickly, but Why Not Theatre’s remarkable I’m So Close… ironically demonstrates that we’re more separate than ever.[rssbreak]

The highly imaginative show tells the story of Steve (Troels Hagen Findsen), an eco inventor who’s designed a solar-powered device for electronic gadgets. Caught up in global marketing and manufacturing plans, he’s soon jetting around the globe, several time zones removed from his wife, Stella (Katrina Bugaj), who must book phone appointments with him through his “virtual assistant” Raj in India (Ravi Jain).

Underlying the main narrative is an archaeological discovery of two 5,000-year-old humans buried together in an embrace – in obvious contrast to the alienated central couple.

Collectively created by the three actors, with additional dramaturgy and writing by Nicolas Billon, the show thrums and throbs with energy and theatricality.

Jamie Nesbitt’s witty screen projections draw on everything from cartoons to Annie Hall, while M.L. Dogg’s layered sound design samples James Brown and Singin’ In The Rain to establish mood and setting.

It’s a little loose, particularly in the ending – a problem common to many collective productions.

But the performers, who all attended L’Ecole Jacques Lecoq, use lots of physicality to tell the story, especially in two set pieces, one involving Steve’s initial meeting with a potential investor, the other chronicling the decline and fall of Steve and Stella’s relationship.

The fact that the three actors are based in different countries (Canada, the U.S. and Denmark) adds extra authenticity to the show’s main theme.

Here’s hoping they stay close together so they can make something again soon.

glenns@nowtoronto.com

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