On the Fringe

The Montreal Fringe Fest is on right now and I'd encourage everyone in my neck of the woods to check out some of the dozens of plays and performances around the city. Last night, I saw a few of Montreal's indie bands at Parc des Ameriques. It was a pretty good vibe with a mix of hipsters and eccentrics rocking out to bands like the Winks, Ethereal Tribal, and Broadcast Radio. As the sun set over St. Laurent, my friend and I headed south to Theatre Ste. Catharine to take in "Crude Love," a love story set in the Alberta oil sands. This play might've been titled "Love in the Time of Oil." The two person play, starring the husband and wife team of Gillian and Russell Bennett, tells the story of a female dump truck driver from Newfoundland and a cynical environmentalist from Toronto who wants to put her out of a job by protesting the oil sands. Surprise surprise, they fall in love. Despite the tired formula of opposites attracting, "Crude Love" is a very funny and profoundly sad play about love, politics, and priorities. There are several more performances throughout the week so I would recommend that everyone seek out this gem. Watch for it at a Fringe near you.

The Gazette has a more detailed review.