- Thinking & Feeling Theatre Company
Siblings are our first friends and enemies. We laugh, fight, comfort and hurt each other, but they’re always there for us…until they’re not. What happens when that connection is broken, when the familial bond is lost? How do we move forward while holding on to the memory of our best friends?
These questions keep Avery up at night. Haunted by the night her heart stopped beating, she feels isolated and alone—but she’s not alone. Her brother August remains, whether she wants him to or not.
Locally created and cast, and debuting at this year’s festival, After August reminds us that letting go isn’t always easy – but it’s necessary to let ourselves heal.
If you see one drama play at the Fringe this year, After August, is your choice. Great script, great lighting, and actors ready to take on a serious subject. Well done, take a another bow!
The general rule is that comedies do better at the fringe, which is why I love when someone has the guts to do a drama, and by golly is this a drama. A heartfelt and gut-wrenching exploration of world-altering grief and the self-destructive behaviours it can push us toward, this show will break your heart over and over again, both for better and for worse. The set and lighting design absolutely blew me away. There is one point near the end that might seem odd to any who have taken their share of first-aid classes, but that is a very minor complaint for such a beautiful production.
One of the best shows I have ever seen. I love intense shows but I don’t have siblings and I’ve never lost anyone close to me so I was going into it expecting to empathize with the characters but not really relate to them. However, through the work of the incredible actors and incredible writing it felt so deeply personal. The actor playing Avery, who also wrote the show, was such a compelling lead. She fully inhabited the character, I didn’t realize how many of Avery’s tics, the way she moves, or even just how she holds her face are character choices until I spoke to the performer afterwards. At first I was skeptical of the actor playing August’s portrayal of the character, it felt a little too much of a stereotypical ‘devil on your shoulder’ performance which took me out of the realism of the piece, however throughout the show his performance becomes so much more deeply nuanced, particularly in a scene near the end which solidified his portrayal for me. He is also amazing at switching personas depending on what role August is taking on. The actor who really took the cake for me was the actor playing Elliot. Elliot is a very well written character and the actor playing him really amplified that. He was very relatable throughout the show, but when he snapped and got angry, even though I had been connecting with him, suddenly I felt like I was Avery. His acting was so realistic that it snapped me back to every time I’ve been made to feel small and scared just like Avery in that moment. I also loved the musical theming of the show. Taking a song like Francesca, which is usually so deeply romantic and using it as a theme of familial love for the siblings is masterful, and ending off with All Things End gave a perfect musical payoff.
Overall 10/10 show, there are two more performances, SEE IT WHILE YOU STILL CAN!
It’s in the details. August slowly putting together and cleaning up the broken pieces of the wreckage as the story unfolds is absolute creative genius. Moore, Robertson and Benson brilliantly bring their characters to life (ironically) with passion and theatrical expertise. The perfectly timed comedic relief repeatedly brings you back from the edge of many emotionally charged scenes , but certainly not before shedding a tear or two. Excellent work by both cast and crew. The love and dedication put into this piece is obvious. A five star must see.
After August is a show you have to see at some point this fringe season. It is both heartfelt, heart wrenching, and comedic. I love how both the actors and the writing explore and develop such complex feelings in regards to such a dark topic. The different version of August’s memory are expertly shown through both acting and costuming. If you want to see an amazing play, this is the one
What a fantastic show!!! This should’ve had a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in the Free Press.
This moving story about grief and letting go was beautiful, and its stellar cast delivered on all fronts.
I was amazed at how well scenes of chaos or busyness were portrayed with such a small cast—a testament to Eve Ross Moore’s acting, particularly in the party scene where I could fully imagine all of the people that Avery was around despite there not being another soul on stage. I was so worried that she was actually losing her balance and about to fall!
It’s hard to believe that this is Ross Moore’s playwriting debut, but it makes so much sense that this show has been successful—in the same way that some claim you can only truly express yourself in a second language, Ross Moore navigated this show with a fresh perspective that was definitely informed by their previous experience as an actor, bringing an understanding of physicality and embodiment of all these complex feelings to the show. I can’t wait to see what Ross Moore will come up with next!
And of course, the After August team did an amazing job casting the other roles in this show as well. I saw Julius Caesar and After August in the same day, which featured both Sam Benson AND Ben Robertson as well and let me tell you, the acting range that these two have is incredible!
Sam Benson was up on that stage moving not only the audience but his cast mates to real tears. His portrayal of Elliot was amazing. It feels weird to say, but it’s hard to describe how good he was in the show because he just felt like a real person the whole time. It’s rare (for me at least) to see someone on stage and to actually be able to forget that they’re acting.
And Ben Robertson’s portrayal of August was perfect. Robertson skillfully plays off of the energies of his scene partners, demonstrating a sensitivity to his cast mates that really brings the whole show together. His switches between Avery and Elliot’s August’s were one of the highlights of the whole show for me, I couldn’t wait to hear and see what his presence would reveal next about the broader narrative of the play and the other characters incolved.
Additionally, Robertson was the Intimacy Director for this show which really brought it to the next level. He brought a real softness to this otherwise sharp (in a good way) show that was incredible to watch, I was transfixed.
Overall this show is poignant and sweet, riddled with the guilt and funny in the way that felt very real and honest. Funny bits weren’t there just for the hell of it, their timing brought some comic relief to an otherwise very heavy show without cheapening the seriousness of the subject matter.
After August is a show that doesn’t let you look away—action packed from start to finish, with a near constant roiling energy. The script does a fantastic job of balancing the darkness of grief with the brevity of surprising, unforced comedy.
The cast and crew of this project were clearly thoughtful of every element of this production. From the layered, disturbing sound design, to the conviction of the actors.
Whatever you’re haunted by—this show will serve as its reflection. An emotional, cathartic watch.
This is a good show, with deep themes, real emotion and some very good comedic timing (both in the writing and in the performance). The use of lighting and of sound, particularly the ambient sound that runs on low throughout the play, create a certain tension that makes the performances more compelling.
I think this show could be even better with a bit of a tighter edit, but it was enjoyable as is. My favourite scene is the aftermath of a party. It can be hard to manage that kind of material without overacting, but this performer does it well.
For a first-time, one act play this show is very, very good. I especially enjoyed the light design during the hospital scene and from the car set piece, though I wish the the car was used more in the show as it holds a big presence both figuratively and physically. At some parts I was worried the script would just become a screaming fest for an hour, but actor Samuel B was definitely a highlight and gave me faith in the emerging artists here in the city. I feel like the show would have been more effective if the main character was played by an actor who wasn’t the playwright, but I understand the protectiveness one feels over their own work. Very good show overall, and congratulations to everyone involved.
I did enjoy many aspects of this play. I enjoyed Samuel Benson’s portrayal of August and this writer’s take on the subject of grief. I suspect, however, no one involved with this production has their First Aid with CPR/AED training. Not having the correct information presented on stage I felt was a missed opportunity that could potentially help save a life. Lack of detail to this part of the script, giving the audience misinformation, unfortunately tainted my experience with this production. It was an otherwise enjoyable Fringe play.
A very strong debut piece written and presented by Eve Ross Moore and theatre company, Thinking & Feeling Theatre. The story contained so many of the different stages of grief, while reminding the audience that healing is not linear; grief itself may be a universal experience but it is ultimately quite individualistic in its display. Adding in a twist mid-play created an even deeper layer, adding to the complexity of the work overall.
The cast was incredibly tight and had great chemistry from start to finish. Ross Moore as Avery landed her comedic timing each time and her frenzied journey through grief was no doubt relatable to many in the audience, including myself. Robertson’s August navigated his character’s distinct personas with ease, stirring up equal parts sympathy, empathy, and enmity from the audience. Each stood out in their own right, but I was mesmerized by Benson’s portrayal of an emotionally wrought Elliot, struggling with what he considers to be moral with his own needs.
The standing ovation from last night was well-earned.
Story is alright (though I found the main girl kinda unlikable with how self absorbed she was). The show is saved by the blonde guy being the best actor Winnipeg has ever seen
Where does one begin? The harsh reality is every one of us already have or will experience a loss that leaves us feeling consumed by guilt. After August is a brilliant, thought provoking piece that will stir up emotions you thought you had safely tucked away. Moore executes the character of a grief stricken sister who carries the weight of her brothers accidental death with perfection. Robertson keeps the mood light and airy, as any good ghost does, with his comedic relief, while simultaneously making the audience feel his frustration of crossing over before he was ready. Benson’s portrayal of the boyfriend and best friend who is forced to face his true feelings as he navigates the loss, while trying to be supportive and feeling the pressure of keeping his word, evokes the overwhelming feelings that come with complicated relationships and untimely death. It is hard to believe this is Moore’s first production, but easy to believe it will not be her last. Missing the opportunity to experience this performance would be a grave misfortune. If you haven’t already, add it to your must -see list.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don’t even have the words to emphasize what an incredible and impactful show this is. The script provides a phenomenal starting point and Eve, Sam, and Ben all do a terrific job bringing it to life. The characters and their relationships to one another are clearly well thought out and developed. With how heavily grief influences the characters, it’s fascinating to see the different relationships Avery and Elliot have with August, and how it changes as the story progresses. The story managed to have a terrific flow that meant I didn’t guess the ending right at the start, but I could see the chain reaction/cause and effect. This is the first fringe show I’ve seen this year where I felt 100% certain I knew where the ending was. It wrapped up beautifully, with a satisfying conclusion that didn’t dismiss the serious subject matter of the story. I could go on about it for ages. A truly astonishing debut piece that everyone NEEDS to see
What an amazing show! The cast worked beautifully together and shined all on their own. So proud of what Eve has created and I know we will be seeing her name more and more in the future. Go see this! You won’t be disappointed
There are many things to commend in this play. The performances are all strong, certain scenes are very powerful, and many of the dynamics are compelling and relatable, like the “ghost” of the dead brother appearing differently to different people and the struggle of trying to love and support someone struggling with trauma. That said, however, these strong aspects are completely undermined by often hackneyed, overly-literal dialogue and a final act development involving a much-abused piece of medical equipment that made me cry “Oh, come on!” out loud. There is certainly potential here, but this one needs to be workshopped a bit more.
After August is a beautiful story straight from the heart, delivered by a cast that brings the material to life effortlessly. It is a stirring exploration of how loss in its most raw and unforgiving form can impact the lives of those we love and rely on. Each cast member has their moments to shine…moments that are tender, vulnerable, funny, and heartbreaking. Through unexpected turns in the story, this play offers a depthful and nuanced look at the most tragic and uncomfortable of experiences in life, yet leaves you with a smile and a sense of hope.
This show is a must see! The entire cast does an amazing job or portraying this stirring and emotional story of grief and love.
Eve Ross Moore as Avery brings amazing levels to her acting that captivate the audience with high highs and equally powerful moments of vulnerability
Samuel Benson as Elliot created a developed character with so many layers to uncover. He made me feel I was right there with him experiencing the grief.
Ben Robertson as August does an amazing job of varying his approach to each scene, keeping the story fresh but still in a way that I knew who the character was
This is Eve Ross Moore’s first script and you would never know, the way the story flowed was seamless, I expect many more amazing things from Thinking and Feeling Theatre in the future.
Absolutely amazing show. So well written and performed. An incredible debut piece by Eve Ross Moore. Full of emotion and tackles difficult subject matter in a beautiful way. The use of costumes and props in portraying grief was brilliant. Amazing performances from all the actors, and the chemistry was palpable.
Such an amazing show! I can’t believe this is Eve’s first project, it’s an absolute must see!!! It’s emotional, it’s real, it’s funny, I can’t wait to see what else Eve will create!!