What started out as a low-tech whimsical romp through a marketer’s backroom quickly turned into a thought-provoking dark comedy. Cluster Fucked is an unpretentious Masterclass on data and how it’s used to track, influence and alter how we operate as individuals and collectively as a culture. Devised as a theatre piece, the play is a collaboration between ten artists* with David J. Phillips as the director and main writer.
With some smart lighting and a simple set, the four cast ensemble included Heather Abrams who opened the performance with a land acknowledgment that was as authentic as it was entertaining. Making this show richer is the fact that there is no fourth wall and scripted into the performance were many clever moments like the unfulfilled request for tech support. Brock Hessel’s portrayal of a data engineer would rival any of the cast on CSI, but it was the deeply moving likeness of an elderly woman that had the room in suspense.
Between Joanna Decc who played a crafty identification theft representative, Heather Abrams as the organ donation salesperson, and the engaging Ted Talk-esque cluster demonstrations by Ryan Bannon, this show will take your anger about big business and give you plenty to laugh (and learn) about.
Cluster Fucked
Tarragon Theatre
Part of the Toronto Fringe Festival
On until July 15, 2018, TICKETS.
*Cluster Fucked collaborators
David John Phillips
Joanna Decc
Andrew Gabourey
Damien Gulde
Brock Hessel
Jillian Rees-Brown
Alisha Stranges
Heather Abrams
Ryan Bannon
Oliver Jane
https://vimeo.com/278540243