Disco Pigs explores an intense and inseparable relationship at Oz Studios in Toronto

Disco Pigs is a movie and play written by Enda Walsh about a boy and a girl born within one second of one another. They develop an uncanny relationship, become inseparable and are the proverbial two sides of the same coin. It’s a fascinating, intense production on stage at Oz Studios in Toronto.

Disco Pigs is set in contemporary Ireland, so don’t expect Irish clichés like leprechauns and shillelaghs. Instead, expect fantastic acting from Claire Burns and Bryan Demore. The language they use is a bit different than the typical Torontonian, but it is inviting, almost intoxicating. It’s almost like a cross between Roddy Doyle type dialogue and A Clockwork Orange.

Before the play begins, Oz Studios sets the mood. The play is about colourful events in the “bleak existence” of Pig (Bryan Demore) and Runt (Claire Burns), so when I say the performance space reminds me of Detroit, that’s meant as a compliment.

It’s a space that has certainly seen some interesting times, with countless great times to come. It’s also a space that puts an emphasize on the performers. And with Burns and Demore performing in such an intimate space, it’s no wonder every seat was taken the night we saw Disco Pigs.

Burns and Demore are virtually alone in the performance space, yet they manage to create many vivid locations. They may be standing in a bare room on Ossington Avenue in Toronto, but their performances keep the audience with them whether they are looking at the ocean or sneaking into a dance club.

It’s a very physical play, with the actors in such close proximity that I felt like I was dancing with them when they danced, or that Pig was about to beat the hell out of me instead of one of the many characters in the play. I’m sure every male in the audience felt the same way.

Disco Pigs is more about emotions and relations than it is plot or narrative, so it is difficult to describe in words. But trust me, the play is like a dance or a kiss with someone you are attracted to. No words can describe those feelings adequately, it is something you need to experience, like music.

Mike, my friend who joined me for the evening, also loved the acting and thought that Disco Pigs reminded him of the movie American Graffiti. I’m not sure what the play reminded me of, other than my misspent youth.

Disco Pigs is like a night out with two gorgeous, extremely talented people. How they manage to perform such a physical play twice a night is a miracle enjoyed by the youthful. Pick up the phone or get online and make yourself a date with Disco Pigs before it is too late. What are you waiting for?

Details:

• Disco Pigs plays through December 1st,  2013 at Oz Studios (134 Ossington Avenue).
• Performances run twice nightly at 7 PM and 9 PM Thursday  to Sunday.
• Tickets are $20.
• Tickets  can be purchased online or from the box office immediately before performances. Be advised that performances are selling out; advance purchase is strongly recommended.