I thought that writer/performer Martin Dockery's previous solo Fringe outings (Wanderlust, The Bike Trip, Bursting Into Flames) were out of this world, but his latest is like something from a parallel dimension. I won't even attempt to describe Dark Fantastic's surreal Möbius strip of a storyline, which switches from first to second to third person, somehow fusing a mute orphan, photocopier de-jamming pictograms, and the secret of Rome's construction into a intellectually mystifying but emotionally compelling whole.
Dockery, known in the past for his hyperkinetic stage presence, instead plant himself behind a microphone for the entire show, hiding immobile in half-light behind a the brim of a cowboy cowboy hat for long stretches before finally freeing his relentlessly restless hands to gesticulate wildly. Sitting in the darkness, listening to Dockery rhythmic voice against an ominous ever-evolving sonic backdrop, is like a guided meditation session led by David Lynch. I found the the effect entrancingly hypnotic, even if I can't quite explain what the hell it was about (a repeated refrain “What chance does a child have in this world who has not known one moment of love from his mother?” might provide a key to unlocking the theme). Just beware you aren't lulled to sleep listening to it; who knows what dreams may come.
The Dark Fantastic by Martin Dockery
Martin Dockery (Brooklyn, NY)
Rating: G-14 (Adult Language, themes)
Run Time: 60 minutes
Yellow Venue
$11
Genre: Storytelling
Websites: www.martindockery.com
http://orlandofringe.ticketleap.com/the-dark-fantastic-by-martin-dockery/
Show Times:
Tue, May 21 2013, 9:00p.m. – 10:00p.m.
Thu, May 23 2013, 11:00p.m. – Fri, May 24 2013, 12:00a.m.
Sat, May 25 2013, 7:45p.m. – 8:45p.m.
Sun, May 26 2013, 1:15p.m. – 2:15p.m.
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This article appears in May 15-21, 2013.