#THE MERKIN SISTERS: BACKCOMBED

This was... something else! An absurd, semi interactive, semi non-verbal (minimal words anyways), physical comedy that is hard to describe, but definitely funny.

Confusing. Not sure what fever dream created this. Don't recommend and won't go again

There were several moments during Backcombed, the delightfully unhinged return of physical comedy duo The Merkin Sisters, that a theatre-goer in front of me audibly uttered to the man next to her, “This is so weird.”

Indeed it is. Indeed they are. But The Merkin Sisters have built a reputation on mining that weirdness for laughs, and this latest outing does not disappoint.

Ingrid Hansen and Stéphanie Morin-Robert have been fixtures at this and other fringe festivals for a number of years now, bringing their talents as puppeteers, storytellers and physical comedians to sell-out crowds.

Really enjoyed the theme - ART. The show is thoroughly engaging. The sisters did so much and the show was totally fun. Amazing what they did and just great fun. Relax and enjoy

Really weird shit.

That's the review.

Five stars.

Holy moly!

Y'all better buckle up with this show. It is a wild ride of creativity, humor, and the absurd.

Absolutely mesmerizing!

100/10, no notes!

After seeing Epidermis Circus a few years ago, I was really eager to catch this new show, and it did not disappoint! So inventive, so funny, and incredibly polished. It’s such a creative and well-executed piece of theatre. A must-see if you’re able to catch it!

They are weird. They are quirky. But i feel like they use a bunch of the same bits between shows. I wasn't bored at all, that's for sure

If you only see one show at the fringe, it should be whatever show Ingrid is in!! Her shows are always the highlight of the fringe!!!

Note there is a little bit of nudity, so be warned.

The music was soooo good!

As a first timer, I am still questioning what did I just watch? Not in a bad way. Dare I say this is the wackiest show I have seen at Fringe so far. Throughout the show, I was finding myself trying to search for the bigger meaning behind the absurd acts. Is it about women empowerment? Is it about questioning what real art is? Maybe. But also it was a good reminder to not question everything we watch all the time. I may not fully understand what I watched but I am glad I did. If you are looking for a good wacky time then go watch this show.

The Merkin Sisters are wild and whacky! Loved it.

This show confirms for me that Ingrid Hansen is arguably the most creative performer at the Fringe.

This time she teams up with Stephanie Morin-Robert who is equal to the task of keeping up with Hansen.

And this time they become puppets themselves. What they can do with fabric tubes, scarves, body suits and their own bodies defies description.

Equally hilarious and provocative, you can’t take your eyes off of them, even when you feel you should. A celebration of the female body (mostly) that is pure joy.

This show is sure to sell out so grab tickets while you can.

What will happen next? You can genuinely never guess! - By: Krissy Berkholtz They say a sister's bond is unbreakable, but they never said a sister's bond may be…absurd… The Merkin sisters bring a truly unforgettable performance with their quirky, strange, but yet charming senses of humour. This clowning duo, Stephanie Morin-Robert & Ingrid Hansen, have been working together as stage artists for 9 years. Proving their well seasoned comedic acts are standouts from the rest. If you’ve ever dreamt it, the Merkin sisters have beaten you to it. They are so free in their physical and puppetry comedy to do so as they please and bring us along with them in audience participation that makes you feel as if you are performing with them. Although you may hear some exasperated gasps among your fellow crowd members, the grotesque charm of these “incestious” family members will make you not only roar with laughter, but make you realize that theatre in general is an art form that doesn’t need to be restricted by what we as an audience could consider as appropriate or inappropriate. The kooky and crazy charisma brought by The Merkin Sisters is what creates these carefree and hilarious performances that form into a generosity as you sit with your cohort and chat about what you just saw. Community is brought together through this strange and unrelenting comedy, and the Merkin sisters are paving the way to prove so. Have a queasy stomach? Best get ready to be challenged. You’ll laugh, you’ll squirm, you’ll ask your fellow audience member “did I miss something?” But that’s all the charm of getting to sit through a once in a lifetime show.

A wonderfully wacky work of performance art! If you’ve seen anything from Ingrid Hansen or Stephanie Morin-Robert before you know you’re in for a creative and unhinged, meticulous yet wild ride. You will laugh, you will laugh wonder, you make be shocked, and (unless you’re the patron who sat in front of me playing chess on his phone) you will likely enjoy. If you’re new to their work you might want to look up what a Merkin is and be prepared for nudity and a few shocks. Also, some of the bits from previous Merkin Sisters show return in this iteration so if your fringe journey is mostly a search for new works this might not be your cup of tea.