Melbourne Fringe Festival

Fringe Review: The Reality Event – Suicide + Game

“PLEASE NOTE: This performance may upset those affected by suicide. It is not a space for discussion about the subject of suicide itself; if you are feeling distressed or need to seek help, please call Lifeline 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467”

When a show comes with a warning such as this you really don’t know what you’ve got yourself in for.  The Suicide Ensemble’s ‘Reality Event – Suicide + Game’ is a full throttle ride in two parts that confronts and reflects on how we consume life. All while it sticks its middle finger up at theatre as we know it. What makes this piece stick is the likability of the whole cast. You will go in as strangers and leave with them feeling like friends, departed friends none the less.

The Suicide Ensemble defines itself as a no-holds-barred collective of artists that produces art for the people. The Suicide Ensemble lives by the motto “you will never forget us. If you do, we have failed”. If your idea of a wicked night out at Fringe involves battling it out with game of popping balloons with nail studded dildos, a good shameful spanking, or a seriously epic wedgy to end all wedgies then this is the show for you. But after the first act, ‘Game’, it doesn’t end there.

The second act, ‘Suicide’, will test you. Will you vote who dies next with the most sadistic smile? Will you choose the belt or the poison? Maybe even a little giggle might escape your lips! Or maybe the tears will flow and you will plead for them to stop before running for the door gasping for air?

My plus one and I left wondering if the show ever truly ended, or if it ever will. This two-act reflection of life will stick in your head for days. ‘Suicide + Game’ pushes the boundaries of contemporary theatre while leaving you begging for more.

-Brenton
Brenton Spink is a social Melburnian who loves a good feed, drink, dance, and other related shenanigans. Find him on Twitter at @SoSpinky.

‘Reality Event – Suicide + Game’ runs until the 29th of September at Tuxedo Cat, 7.15PM.
The Venue is Accessible.

Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests of This Much Talent.