Beings

A quiet burn of a solo show that leaves you wondering - and that, to me, is what good theater does. Increasingly compelling as it progresses, as events unfold that seem easy to understand but as you think about them, you're not entirely sure how to interpret them. Confidently presented and staged, it's the story that drives this performance, and it asks questions that ask more questions as you think more about it. It is the layers of meaning that keep me thinking about this, and a performance that can keep your attention after you have left the theater is one worth seeing. A quiet gem in this year's festival.

Judith Betzler's show 'Beings' is one some people may overlook because it seems like another silly alien story, but this is far beyond that. This play raises awareness about the 60's Scoop and some of the dark parts of Canadian Indigenous history without creating an environment that was too heavy.

Sitting in the audience, I was immediately intrigued and transported into the world of this story. Having the land acknowledgment be an alien voice instantly added to the atmosphere. The whole theatre stood dark; the only things visible were Betzler's white shoelaces glowing in the dark, giving the scene an alien, almost magical feel.

I was impressed by the commitment and level of detail Betzler brought to this production. Every movement had a purpose and felt real rather than staged. Betzler took the time to tell the story, unafraid to use silent moments. This created genuine, everyday moments. The words Betzler used were descriptive and purposeful. I could picture the story so vividly even though the set was a simple campground.

I recommend this play because it is intriguing, well-performed, and eye-opening.

Judith Betzler is a great story teller. She uses alien abduction as an allegory to MMIW in a culturally respectful way. And it’s a GREAT story. Go see it.