Hitodama

Presented by Mochinosha Puppet Company
Written / Created by Mochinosha
Location: Roxy Theatre (2657 Quadra Street)

Friday August 28, 2015 – 9:30 PM
Sunday August 30, 2015 – 3:45 PM
Monday August 31, 2015 – 7:45 PM
Wednesday September 2, 2015 – 7:45 PM
Saturday September 5, 2015 – 3:45 PM
Sunday September 6, 2015 – 8:45 PM

This Japanese production sounds wonderfully scary. The same crew who produced Oni from last year are back to spin a new shadow puppet type show that includes spirits. When considering that this medium lends itself well to telling spooky stories, I’m looking forward to what kinds of scares will be enacted. Appropriately enough, the first show arrives late at night!

How Often Do I Dream …

Presented by Transitus
Written / Created by Katie Dorian / Alexis Mulligan
Location: Fairfield Hall (1303 Fairfield)

Friday August 28, 2015 – 6:00 PM
Saturday August 29, 2015 – 4:45 PM
Sunday August 30, 2015 – 6:30 PM
Monday August 31, 2015 – 7:45 PM
Tuesday September 1, 2015 – 6:00 PM
Thursday September 3, 2015 – 6:00 PM

This spoken word show explores how memory functions in a fading landscape from two perspectives. One will be that of the narrator and the other will be from her Opi’s perspective. I suspect that this will be a dramatic performance, with a lot of introspection, and that will be interesting to look at.

Ian Fleming‘s Casino Royale

Presented by Outpost Victoria
Adapted / Created by David Elendune
Location: St Andrew’s Gymnasium (1002 Pandora)

Thursday August 27, 2015 – 7:30 PM
Sunday August 30, 2015 – 1:30 PM
Monday August 31, 2015 – 7:45 PM
Wednesday September 2, 2015 – 5:45 PM
Saturday September 5, 2015 – 10:30 PM
Sunday September 6, 2015 – 3:00 PM

This all ages show is going to be unique for the Fringe. Normally, spy thrillers need a movie treatment than theatrical and for anyone familiar with this seminal tale that launched a franchise, that’s enough for me to see how this game of roulette is played out at the former St. Andrew’s Elementary School, the locale for this production. I envision several set pieces being used. However, the length of time to clean up and set up between shows has me wondering.

Neil Gaiman’s Fortunately, The Milk

Presented by Windwhistle Theatre
Written / Created by Neil Gaiman
Location: The Roxy Theatre (2657 Quadra St.)

Saturday August 29, 2015 – 2:00 PM
Sunday August 30, 2015 – 5:30 PM
Tuesday September 1, 2015 – 6:00 PM
Friday September 4, 2015 – 9:30 PM
Saturday September 5, 2015 – 8:30 PM
Sunday September 6, 2015 – 7:15 PM

I’m going to have to read the book before going to see this theatrical production. The reason is not for making comparisons, but to know the tale beforehand. In a tale that concerns how a bottle of milk can save the universe, I just have to udder the question of whether or not a cow goddess is involved? I know some ancient mythologies respect this figure as part of creation, a symbol of fertility, motherhood or nature. But when dinosaurs and wumpires (not vampires) are involved, I have to wonder what has Gaiman created? It’s tough for me to keep up with all his works in between all the other authors I follow and in what I’ve read, I find everything he writes is imaginative, accessible and fun for all ages — especially with works like The Graveyard Book.

Just in case people think Gaiman will be present to introduce this play, he’s not. I looked at his appearance schedule and he’s not scheduled to appear in Victoria.