Exploring what it means to be a man

Hue Man: He Volution, written, directed, and choreographed by T.Anthony Marotta 

What does it take to be a man, or even a manly man? Are these tropes still relevant at a time where we're experiencing a tremendous change in the way we express our identity? Dabbling for the right answer can sometimes feel like walking through a land mine. But it doesn't have to be. That's what Hue Man: He Volution brings to the table.

Creator T. Anthony Marotta uses puppetry to tell us his story. There is no dialogue, there is no word. Movement and sound navigate you into this introspective journey of an blue-collar-esque worker interacting with his son.

The focal point are the masks, and there are lots of them. A different mask is worn by the kid throughout the play, each representing a different hue (hence the title) of masculinity. Along the way, it provokes us to reflect whether these masks reflect our reality and how our identity affects how we interact with other people.

Both protagonists express opposing views of what it means to be a man. Expect some disagreements, polarising views, and the risk of having to conform to what mainstream society tells the innocent child to do. It is experimental, ambient, immersive. But what makes this stand out is how the playwright animates himself and his puppet son throughout.

Hue Man is lovely as it does a great job tackling the sensitive issues in a light-hearted and creative manner. Running for about half-hour, it's a short, simple, and sweet play to consider watching at Fringe!

Hue Man: He Volution is a production of the Classic City Theatre Company. You can catch the show at Scène Mini (4247 Saint-Dominique) on Friday, June 20th at 8:30pm, Saturday June 21st at 11:59pm, and Sunday June 22nd at 5:30pm. Ticket information is available at the Montreal Fringe Festival website.

--Saturn De Los Angeles hosts Shibuya Crossing every Wednesday at 1:00PM on CJLO.