FRINGE '04 REVIEW: Hows Your Father?

'How's Your Father' is an extremely lively piece of physical theatre that explores some of the more timeless aspects of living as a man. From the opening scene where one half of Grimmace (Gavin Harrington) is birthed through a vagina made of his own arms this Dunedin based duo make phenomenally inventive use of their bodies, two chairs and two planks of wood to take the audience on a tour of their childhood victories, habits and life's little pleasures.

Interesting split images are created through the use of mirroring techniques and the enactment of the same scene at different times by both players. Sketches are kept short and link together with a drum'n'bass driven reversion to cave-man styled territorial lumbering and threats. Ah, the contrast between these Neanderthal fillers and the sophistication of Matt Halliday as he extracts a truly tenacious bogie and triumphantly sucks it from his dexterous forefinger.

The fast pace and effortless transitions belie the actors' raw skills in utilising body language, facial expression and timing to convey their anecdotes. This is a high-energy playful romp of a show that won't raise any questions or isolate any audiences. A fun show to see early in the evening before darker grooves sweep you off into the Welli night.

ENDS

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