This is what true one-man work should be
Reviewed at Tandanya on 23 February 2019
Presented by Cathy Schenkelberg
Cathy Schenkelberg has been performing her one-woman show, around the world, for nearly three years now. Squeeze My Cans tells the story of her journey into, and out of, the emotional, spiritual and financial maelstrom that is Scientology.
Adelaide is lucky to get the show, as after her trip down-under, she will be putting this one to bed, to concentrate on other projects. So this is our one and only chance. And what a chance it is! Schenkelberg, an experienced and very successful actor, singer and voice-over artist, puts her soul on the line for this performance. With simple, clean staging, a back projection screen and some basic sound effects, the focus is kept firmly on Schenkelberg herself as she delivers her narrative.
The art of storytelling is front and centre. She is able to seamlessly take on the voice and persona of other people in her story, particularly her “auditor” (Scientology counsellor). Most moving is when she takes on the voice and persona of her younger selves. We don’t just hear the 22 year old Cathy: we actually see her. This extraordinary ability she has to summon up herself from the past gives a life and immediacy to the work that turns the audience from witnesses to emotional participants.
It is obvious from the tightness and faultless presentation that Schenkelberg worked with a director. One of the most common errors some actors make with one-man shows is to write and then present them, without any directorial contribution. No such mistakes here.
This is what true one-man work should be. It never collapses in energy; never sounds like a lecture; never feels as though only one actor is on stage. It is a masterclass in this genre of performance.
Surprisingly, although this story is moving, and sometimes upsetting, and hopeful, and redemptive, and angry…it is also incredibly funny. There are great moments of humour, both of the gallows, and of the more gentle kind.
Want a good Fringe pick? See this. Want to learn more about the acting craft? See this. Thinking of joining Scientology? Definitely see this!
Reviewed by Tracey Korsten
Twitter: @TraceyKorsten
Venue: Tandanya
Season: 2nd-3rd March & 6-10th March various times
Duration: 75 minutes
Tickets: $19-$25
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