Spiral Dive, Episode One
THEATrePUBLIC
Writer/Creator: Kenneth Brown
Critics have called it “brilliant” “amazing” “a creative tour-de-force.” Spiral Dive: a Spitfire pilot, the war that grinds on endlessly, the mysterious Jewish woman who becomes his lover in spite of her dark and powerful master. Valour, love, and terror in a poetic new play by Kenneth Brown that will take you soaring into the skies over Europe. *1/2 price for WW2 vets and spouses.
I ended the night with Spiral Dive, which was excellent! Very funny, well-written, and very strong performances from all three cast members. I had heard several times that this was a must-see show, from those fortunate enough to see it in other cities, and I agree.
Patrick Langston’s review of Spiral Dive is not online (yet), but it’s in the print edtion of the Ottawa Citizen on page D3.
It’s got quotable quotes:
“astounding”
“epic in scope and as intimate as your own breath”
An excerpt:
“When you consider the millions spent to make a war film, the achievement of THEATrePUBLIC is all the more astounding. With just three actors and a handful of props, the company has crafted a play about a Second World War pilot that is epic in scope and as intimate as your own breath.”
Definitely a must-see show.
It clocks in at 90 minutes, but it flies so quickly that it seems no longer than any other show at the festival.
With a cast of three actors and only simple props, the company manage to show us dozens of characters and draw us into the skies over Britain in 1943.
I can’t wait for the next episode.
THEATrePUBLIC’s Spiral Dive is a “must see”. Remarkable! We saw it twice in Winnipeg last year, where it got sold out houses, rave reviews and a slew of awards. You may wish to see it multiple times. The original cast from last year. So good that it should be staged for a wider audience at GCTC or the NAC or the Canadian War Museum. This is the one play of which we’re saying, “If you see nothing else at the Fringe, see this!” Rave review in Monday’s Citizen - “astounding”. Seeing it at the Ottawa Fringe confirmed my opinion - this play matches and perhaps surpasses the Canadian classic, Billy Bishop Goes to War.
My platoon and I saw SD last night. We have been sharing a venue, beer(s), and a soccer game with these folks for the past week, and I am happy to say that their show was really fantastic. Seamless transitions, great character work, and a powerful story. See it while you have the chance.
[...] other quality fare to see. And such was the case here. Our posse returned to Academic Hall to catch Spiral Dive, Episode One. I enjoyed this character and plot-driven show which tells the tale of a young Canadian pilot in [...]