Last night was the opening of lemonTree creations' MSM [men seeking men] at the Toronto Fringe Festival. The culture of online-dating and hookups in the queer community is expressed onstage through a mix of contemporary dance, abstract movement, chat-room transcripts, and living spinning by DJ Scooter of Cub Camp.
Like much of the dance theatre pieces I've seen, this show vacillates between pure dance in which meaning gives way to expression and interpretation, and text-based story-telling that never quite reaches full enough plot lines or characterizations to stand alone. MSM manages to utilize both mediums in such a way that they support one another. Meaning and story are not always clear, but the images and physical work provoke a response on a less intellectual level, creating a gripping and visceral experience.
Not being a member of the queer male community, this piece offered a tiny glimpse into a fascinating world of sex and dating that I know very little about. I wish that glimpse could have been larger, perhaps to satisfy my own curiosity, but there feels like there is room to expand deeper into the culture of the world that inspired the piece. Never-the-less, when we do get a peek inside, MSM offers an unabashed look at their version of the gay online dating experience.
MSM [men seeking men] runs until July 13 at the Randolph Theatre as part of the Toronto Fringe Festival.
Visit their website or Facebook page for more details.
Tickets are $10 at the door; $11 in advance (plus fees)
Call 416.966.1062 or visit www.fringetoronto.com
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