The Girl Who Was Eaten by the Dark

Watching an Ottawa Stilt Union show is a bit like seeing Cirque du Soleil: yes, there is a story, but it doesn’t really matter what it is because I am content to sit back and watch what these performers can do!

“The Girl Who Was Eaten by the Dark” is the Stilt Union’s fourth production. It is about a little girl named Grace who is afraid of the dark. When she goes to visit her grandmother in the woods where there are no lights at night, she is forced to confront her fear of what could be lurking in the shadows. There are a few scary looking creatures in this show, and I have heard from friends with kids that it can be a little too frightening for the really wee ones, but the show has a positive message about how to overcome fear. And Grace, played by the charming Elise Gauthier, is a good role model.

These performers can do amazing things: they pick each other up, they dance; and each character has its own distinct physicality. The costumes are wonderful; the company incorporates mask work; and one of the characters is even on four legs - meaning stilts on both her arms and legs! Adding to the magic of this production is excellent live music and song, as well as the natural (just ignore the Laurier traffic) setting of Tabaret Lawn.

A fantastic addition to the Fringe Festival, this show is pass-the-hat and great for families. "Girl Who Was Eaten by the Dark" will also be at the Piggy Back Festival in Wakefield and the Lumiere Festival in Ottawa.

Rating: W
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Girl Who Was Eaten by the Dark runs June 21-27 on the Tabaret Lawn as part of the Ottawa Fringe Festival