This show F$#%in' Rules dude!!

Mortis X and Emmonia have produced a drag show that not only had me going crazy in my seat, but their incorporation of drag artists with different showcases, interests, and talents makes this one production I will not soon be forgetting.

I'm new to being an audience member for drag and burlesque shows; three years ago, shows like these would not be on my priority list when starting my first-draft of my Fringe list. This year, it was number TWO of the top five shows I had to see and it did not disappoint.

From Mortis' opening performance that set the space-themed exploration of thrills and chills up perfectly (and introduced a really awesome subversion on burlesque) to Emmonia's IN.CRE.DI.BLE taking over as host of the show, I new that me and my seat neighbours were in for a wild and twisted experience.

But as metal as this production was, it was really well orchestrated and organized. Each performance is highlighted as a chapter in the Fear Fables and I love that because it made me feel each act had a underlying message of "You thought that was freaky and fabulous, wait until you see the next one."

And I must commend everyone of the performers; J**z Elle, Art Official, MX Jackson, CallMeKeeks, Romulus, and Damien Ghoul you were all excellent, and each of your showcased pieces had standout moments throughout, and many of them felt like fully formed anthology horrors in their own right.

The tech was also excellent PARTICULARLY the lighting. Throughout the show I adored how every scene and performer was lit. The only thing that made me wince on a technical level was the sound felt pretty heavy through the microphones and speakers at the top of the show, but I attribute that to my ears opening up at a noon showing, although I did notice that any speaking that was not in a mic needed to have full projection from the performers so they could be heard.

But does that detract from the show in any way? No. Would I want it to be adjusted? Not if it would make me head-bang less to any of the songs featured.

The last thing I want to highlight is CallMeKeeks piece, specifically because it mad me cry. As a horror fan, I know that good horror or thrilling pieces of media are not solely based on shock, but they make you think, they make you interested in the world and society you are a part of and engage critically with your community. Chapter 4 had a reveal that just hurt me in the best way because the hurt was an acknowledgement of a truth told through a fantastical scenario, which awakens your mind, again, to your society and community.

Cheers to all the Fear Fables crew and thanks for making this production such thrilling and special experience!