We Few They Many is a play that entertains and educates simultaneously. A show about a group of activists during the G20 Summit that took place in Toronto last year.

It hits home as it deals with matters that we all can identify with and a time we all remember. It was a time when things became very un-Canadian for a few days. There was chaos on the streets through riots and violent protests, and there was police retaliation in return against everyone – guilty and innocent.
I will come clean and admit that I have a slight bias in perceiving this story. My boyfriend was one of the people arrested. He is not an activist,  just an unlucky bystander who got locked up.  I am not an activist either, and I attended this show out of sheer curiosity to see what else was out there during those few days.

Even though the G20 summit in Toronto is a personal event for many of us. In this play it could have been a completely fictitious event and I would have been moved just the same.

The activists were young adults living in Toronto, these characters were ordinary people, and that was made very believable. With a lot of funny dialogue, it presented this serious issue in a playful way.

Also, the acting was great – natural, unforced. I felt as I could have easily known each one of these characters personally.

The music and sound is incredibly appropriate. Not overpowering and just enhancing the breaks between acts.

The lighting is simple but utilized to create multiple spaces within the stage. The use of spaces is very clever. It creates a 360 degree experience of the show, taking advantage of the fact that it was a play.

All components were well put together. they didn’t try any new and wild techniques. It’s just a real play about real people and real issues.

It was great to see the perspective of the people who were trying hard to make a difference. This show has an agenda to create awareness and I think it has done a tremendous job of it.

The greatest part of this agenda is that it deals with a current issue – yes the G20 happened last year and we shan’t forget it. But more importantly, and in a more general way, this is simply teaching us not to believe what we may see or hear. To stand up for our rights and if they have been violated, not to forget these violations.

Anyone who lives in Toronto, actually let’s makes that Canada, should go see it.

I would love to see this play in a bigger venue or even (I hate to say it) a movie rendition.

Details:

WE FEW THEY MANY is playing at Factory Theatre Mainspace (125 Bathurst St.)

Performances:

Tue, July 12 6:30 PM
Wed, July 13 5:15 PM
Fri, July 15 Noon
Sun, July 17 7:00 PM

Tickets:

– All individual Fringe tickets are $10 ($5 for FringeKids) at the door (cash only). Tickets are available online at www.fringetoronto.com, by phone at 416-966-1062, in person at The Randolph Centre for the Arts, 736 Bathurst Street (Advance tickets are $11 – $10+$1 convenience fee)

– Several money-saving passes are available if you plan to see at least 5 shows