White As Snow

This show is incredible in how it seemlessly transitions for storytelling to song to spoken word - nothing feels tacked on, everything in the show feels incredibly well thought out.

The story itself is deeply, deeply moving, and the musical underscore helps guide us on our journey with Rose-Ingrid. I cried at the end and I strongly suspect y'all will too - bring tissues and leave lighter!

“History is a black woman, because she keeps having to repeat herself.”

There was so much to love about this show. The lead artist has such a beautiful, warm timbre. She has exactly the kind of powerful voice you need in an big venue like the Westbury. She beautifully captures the wide-eyed, naive energy of a child and young adult in her storytelling.

More storytelling shows need live accompaniment. Frankly, unless you are a very talented storyteller, it is hard for an audience to stay focussed on one person. The pianist offered a second character voice as well as a score that meshed with the storyteller to bring the story to life.

The structure of Rose-Ingrid’s story is well-planned. Time moves relatively linearly, but she moves us through poetry, song, and storytelling by turns in a natural way. I can tell that this show was workshopped for how smooth it is. The overall pacing was solid. I prefer a storytelling style that is more experimental and frenetic, but I still enjoyed this.

It is damn hard to fill up the Westbury without a large ensemble. I wish this show could’ve been in a smaller venue to match the intimate feel of the subject matter. As a person of colour, I am always hopeful that more racialized artists will show up to the Fringe. I want them to have audiences full of people of colour who understand our jokes and our experiences without the need of translation for a White gaze. This show wasn’t quite as radical in its racial politics as I usually prefer from art, but the storyteller’s unravelling around the BLM movement and the face of overwhelming obligations was so visceral and true to many of our shared, yet isolating agony during that time (and now) that I was plenty satisfied.

I’ve been trying to see as many shows that combine poetry with other forms at Edmonton Fringe as this is my own shows device. Ingrid Is a magnificent storyteller, has interludes with poetry, and sings with one of the finest voices I’ve heard in a long time. The show is captivating from the start, and accentuated by a gorgeous score with Katy James the composer playing live. I was moved by the story and inspired by the performance to look at my own creativity and level up. Go see this show. It should be selling out the Westbury because of the quality. Highest possible recommendation!

Rose-Ingrid Benjamin and Katie James created something so sacred for the stage with this show. Not a dry eye at the end, I can’t believe all the directions my heart was taken in just an hour.

First of all, Rose is an incredible performer who can switch from monologuing, in both French and English, to singing, in both French and English again, to spoken word without any awkwardness and at the speed of switching radio channels. Katie’s constant musical background was so good at uplifting the emotion of the moment, and her one spoken scene cracked me the hell up.

This is such a powerful story, and we’re honestly the most fortunate people that Rose chose to be vulnerable with us. I’ve never seen this depiction of how the meaning of ‘devotion’ changes as commitment to religion changes but also kind of stays the same as a practice of devotion toward life and doing the loving thing. The imagery of the altars that include both the remnants of love and the harm we choose to find love in will stay with me.

Such a gem of a show, 4 hours later I’m still floating in Westbury Theatre listening to Rose sing to their doll.

Wow. Laughed, cried, laughed. Her voice is amazing. Gave me chills

“Both my Gods were laid to rest.”

White As Snow paints a poignant picture of the realities of racial injustices and the retention of hope among life’s worst obstacles, It was a visceral and poetic memoir that highlighted Rose-Ingrid Benjamin’s life navigating the struggle to find a true sense of identity amidst harsh social stigma.

The show was hilarious with sharp comedic timing, and each scene was complemented with entrancing live piano music. The lighting also added depth to each scene by guiding the audience’s emotional responses. The storytelling was unique and powerful, providing a relatable plotline that resonated with the audience.

In addition, each prop on stage served a purpose, and the simple set held emotional weight, effectively placing the audience in a specific setting. At times, the story was difficult to follow due to the fast pacing and unclear articulation; however, the songs and images on the screen provided the necessary resources to follow along.

The depth and passion within the vocals were awe-inspiring. As well, the use of various languages to emphasize the aspects of Benjamin’s identity drew the audience deep into the drama of each scene, and left us emotionally vulnerable at each twist in the story.

The show broke down the systemic barriers and societal stigmatization against pursuing one’s own individuality, yet taught the audience the importance of finding it. It was unapologetic and left a weight on my chest that stayed with me long after the show had concluded.

Rose-Ingrid's amazing voice and the Katie James music created a warm vibe. My husband and I were moved to tears by the final song. About halfway in, the gospel music was almost too much for this atheist but of course it was essential to showing the story. I hung on in anticipation of her powerful reveal. Not disappointed. Amazed and still buzzing from the intimacy of her masterfully performed bio. A very impactful message. She is still a fabulous minister ... for freethinking souls. Thank you!

A really stylistic nuanced look at the impacts of religion without being purely negative. The staging was very impactful and I really appreciated the use of silence and stillness, it allows the message and themes to resonate with the audience. Rose-Ingrid’s voice is really incredible and Katie James musicianship was so exciting to watch! I would love to see more of their work!

We attended White as Snow following a queer tour of the area. I was immediately drawn in and loved Rose-Ingrid’s singing and storytelling of her life. It made me laugh and tear up. I can’t believe it was only an hour! I would have been happy if it was longer haha but I guess I’ll just have to watch it again.

I was really excited to hear the story of a queer newcomer and found the show a bit disappointing, but I still very much enjoyed it. The story tends to linger on the main character’s story of being part of the church community and only towards the do they share their coming out story and their queer identity- and sadly it felt a little rushed through. Overall, the performance was incredible and her voice is ah-mazing! I probably wouldn’t see it again, but appreciated the quality of story telling and song.

This show was so moving!!! Rose-Ingrid and Katie James were sooooooooooo amazing! I was crying so much. Incredible show

I've seen White As Snow 3 times, in two different Fringe festivals and I want to see it again and again and again. Rose Ingrid Benjamin and Katie James have created something truly magical and captivating. The visually striking and emotionally authentic way they tell the stories from Rose Ingrid's formative years worshipping two equally demanding 'Gods' is just so heartbreakingly beautiful. And just wait till you hear her sing...man.

I really hope people show up for this and for the little girl that still lives so vibrantly within Rose Ingrid.