Inferno Sonata
by Scott Sharplin
2008 AWARD WINNER - OUTSTANDING CONCEPT
Swedish playwright August Strindberg has uncovered the ancient alchemical secret of creating gold. Join him as he risks everything—his career, his marriage, his sanity, and his soul—to unveil the secrets of the cosmos. A feverish, poetic whirlwind trip to hell and back, complete with smoke and mirrors. Based on a true delirium.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:35 am
I am not in Ottawa, but I saw the preview of this show in edmonton and highly recommend it. Well performed, tightly paced, poetic, and often very funny without giving up the riveting paranoid mood. Go see it!
June 23rd, 2008 at 2:00 am
A very well done show, very funny at times, and highly intriguing. I’m sorry this show hasn’t gotten the buzz it deserves. I found myself wanting to go online right afterwards to read more about Strindberg, because the play seemed so outlandish, only in it was indeed based fully in fact and his writings.
The performance was amazing and intense throughout, without seeming tiresome or forced. The set and props were quite impressive for a touring Fringe show, and I think he made great use of all of them.
I highly recommend going out to see this whenever you get a chance!
June 23rd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Inferno Sonata received a glowing review from Alvina Ruprecht of CBC Ottawa today. She found Scott Sharplin to be “an energetic and very eccentic actor who gives the impression he’s burning himself at both ends.” She thought the show was “quite wonderful”, declared it “a psychic fantasy”, and urged listeners to “go and see it!” You have 4 more performances to do just that. See showtimes above!
To hear Ms. Ruprecht review this and several other shows, follow the link to the sound file from the “Media Room” section of this website.
Ryan Hughes
Inferno Sonata Production Team
June 25th, 2008 at 5:37 am
An excellent show. There’s nothing like spending an hour in a
theatre with a seriously deluded man (Scott Sharplin playing the
playwright/alchemist Strindberg), at 11pm at night. It makes the last
bus trip home all the more interesting.
June 25th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
An exceptionally well-written and engaging play. If you love theatre–its tricks, its beauty, its madness–go see Inferno Sonata.
June 26th, 2008 at 8:23 am
This is theatre. See this play. Extremely well-written and delivered with style. There is magic in their little dungeon. Don’t miss it.
June 26th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Check out the Ottawa Fringe’s interview with long-dead Swedish playwright August Strindberg:
http://www.ottawafringe.com/interview-with-august-and-frieda-strindberg-inferno-sonata-350/
Two shows left!
June 26th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
This show is my official gem of the 2008 Fringe.
I was HIGHLY impressed with this production and recommend it. Especially to theatre geeks with a love of Scandinavian drama at the turn of the 20th century. The set, costumes and props are wonderful. The actor is very engaging (and disturbingly attractive in a Mad-Absinthe-Drinking-Victorian-Nutsy-Kookoo kinda way). I’ve developed a slightly creepy crush on Strindberg as a result. In another life this could be a Nine-Inch-Nails video.
The script is strong and informative. I never found my attention wandering. Allow yourself to discover this wonderful piece of theatre as I did.
June 26th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I could have sworn I wrote a review for this when I saw it, but it would appear I didn’t. I’ve been recommending this show to just about everyone I know. A very intelligent, entertaining, and all around excellent production. Go see it while you still can!
June 27th, 2008 at 12:59 am
I know what you mean about a crush on Strindberg. The actor portraying him makes him sexy in a Johnny Depp come Sleepy Hollow way. Amazing that sexiness can appear in the most abnormal moments. I have been recommending this show to anyone who will listen.
June 27th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I vote that August Strindberg is the 2008 Most Randomly Sexy man at the Ottawa Fringe.
June 28th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
The best thing I’ve seen at the Fringe this year. You will kick yourself if you miss this one.
June 29th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Hmm…taste at the fringe can be a very personal matter. Scott Sharplin’s acting showed tremendous commitment to the character, but for the most part I did not relate to this show that strongly. My own tastes lean towards comedies (Boat Load being one of my favourite shows this year), so I didn’t enjoy this show as much as others have. That being said, if you’re up for a well-acted dramatic performance of a man falling into insanity, this show would be your thing, but if you’re looking for something lighter there are better shows out there.