Tracks
by TJ Dawe
Five Stars
Storyteller
TJ Dawe returns to the Fringe with a tale about trains, hobos and adventures
on the road that is an entirely entertaining ride.
In his new 75 minute show, the Toronto-based performer recounts author Jack London's wild escapades riding the rails in the 1890s through a series of short narratives.
Dressed as a tramp and armed with nothing more than a steel baggage cart with moveable shelves, Dawe draws the audience into a fascinating world of 'shacks', 'blinds', 'beats' and 'bulls' as he hops on freight trains across the country.
He encounters fellow tramps with nicknames like Slim Jim and Yellow Belly, shares his intricate tricks of eluding railroad brakemen that includes a daring 'suicide ride' and, in one the most inspired segments, spins hilarious tall tales to get himself out of a jam at a Winnipeg police station and fill his belly.
The stories are funny, engaging and occasionally disturbing, and what's so impressive is that Dawe makes it seem so easy. He's a gifted storyteller, amiable and natural, with an ease on stage that makes his performance so enticing.
Dawe's previous shows include The Slip-Knot, Labrador and Tired Clichés, and with Tracks he has another hit on board.
Jenny Gabruch
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix
August 6, 2002
