Back in July I saw a crazy clown show called Monks at the Fringe.  It’s back playing at the Theatre Centre.  It’s basically the same show with Veronica Hortigüela and Annie Luján playing a pair of delinquent Benedictines on their one day off every five years.  TL:DR it’s hilariously mad.

There are perhaps fewer lentils and more interactions with the audience than last time I saw it.  This is not a show for the shy.  Depending where you sit your role could vary from throwing lentils, to spraying water all over the place to tying the tail back onto Annie’s ass and much more..  Yes it still has the manic storm scene where the donkey escapes; the clever transitions to and from donkeyhood and the solemn procession of the donkey to music from Parsifal.  Make the most of it.  It’s surely the only time you’ll get to see anything from Parsifal live on stage in Toronto in the next several lifetimes.  And the “pinning the tail on” scene may not be described.  It is an arcane ritual that one must witness in person.

It’s completely mad and completely manic but really, if one chooses to go the analytical route, immensely accomplished.  The “brothers” can act and do physically clowning.  They are filthy in the best possible way and they really do draw the audience into the show.  The tech team is great too with vividly effective lighting and excellent (and often weirdly discordant) sound design.  It’s only an hour long but it’s just about the most fun one can have with one’s clothes on; which even for Annie was most of the time.

Monks is playing at the Theatre Centre until March 2nd but you may not have much luck getting a ticket.  Which says a lot.

Photo credits: Audriana Martin Del Campo