Dawe discovers inhospitable roots
TJ Dawe is another Fringe favourite who doesn't disappoint. Although it's a very different beast from the near-manic comedy of his much-praised Tired Clichés, Labrador is further proof that Dawe has storytelling down to a fine art. With one chair, six cushions and a banana, he's here to tell us of a trip to Newfoundland and Labrador, fabled land of his roots. Working in children's theatre as Captain Kidd, Dawe flies to Labrador City and finds it so cold and inhospitable that a beating with a shovel seems the logical end to a night at the bar. If everything isn't always what it seems, that's just because Dawe is using his considerable skills to set us up for some surprises. From an opening blur of fast paced George Carlin-style questions to his description of Newfie Screech as "the afterbirth of rum," this man's timing and delivery, and the accuracy of his eye on Canada's extremities, are masterful.
Peter Birnie
Vancouver Sun
Thursday, September 14, 2000
