Eigengrau

This month, Toronto-based indie collective Red One Theatre presents the Canadian premiere of acclaimed British playwright Penelope Skinner’s Eigengrau, a quirky contemporary play about four single twentysomethings grappling with their identities in love, lust and life in general, on stage at the Lower Ossington Theatre.

Set in London (2010), the story follows Cassie (Claire Armstrong), a passionate feminist whose ideals are tested when she takes in a new flatmate, Rose (Helen Johns), a pie-in-the-sky mystic with a shopping addiction she found on Gumtree (the UK version of Craigslist). Rose is seeing Mark (Jeff Irving), a handsome, alpha male from the posh neighbourhood of Chiswick, where he lives with his flatmate Tim (Kristian Bruun), a lost but kind soul who dreams of working as a caretaker.

We first meet Cassie in her apartment the morning after Mark and Rose have hooked up. The oddly matched pair butt heads in an intense encounter as he is leaving, which leads Mark to pursue Cassie, much to her surprise and against her better judgement. Meanwhile Rose continues to throw herself at the uncaring Mark with destructive force, finding sympathy in the company of the gentle Tim. Ultimately, each character must face their insecurities and choose a path, a way of being and believing that is true to themselves. The result of which means dramatic, even tragic change.

Chock-full of laugh-out-loud observations about life and relationships, and a whole lot of sexuality, Skinner’s witty script takes an honest look at young adults trying to find their way in a big city with big expectations. Director David Tompa gets interesting performances out of this talented cast, each outstanding in their own right. Eigengrau is a fast-paced, unflinching production with plenty of heart.

Runs until November 24 (no shows on Sundays) at the Lower Ossington Theatre (100A Ossington Avenue). Performances at 7:30pm, except Tuesdays at 10pm. Tickets $20/$10 Tuesdays.