I really wasn't sure what to expect when I went to the Actors Repertory Company's production of 36 Views at the Berkeley Street Theatre. I kind of expected it to be vignettes, honestly just because of the title.

But it really is more of a traditional play structure with an ongoing narrative. But at the same time it's not traditional. In some ways it is a bit like vignettes, but ones that all link together in a cohesive linear storyline.

There's a lot of great multi-media in the show, and it's all done well. My show-partner for this one was Craig, who really looks for theatre to challenge him, he likes it to be interesting enough that he is still thinking about it when he walks out of the theatre, he likes to continue to make discoveries even after the action on stage has stopped. This show accomplished that for him.

When I asked him what he thought of the show he said he liked it, and he pointed out that the multi-media was really well done. He pointed out that sometimes multi-media ends up being distracting, but in this case it really integrated well with the action on stage.

I really enjoyed this. There was some really superb acting, making it that much more engaging. Also, it's one of those shows that people who like a bit of an edge and innovation in their theatre will enjoy, along with people who are more into traditional theatre. So, if you have a friend who has different tastes in theatre so you never get to go to a play together, maybe this is the one to try.

Details:

- 36 Views is playing at the Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley St)
- Run until Saturday May 5
- Shows Monday to Saturday at 8pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2pm
- Tickets range from $15 - $30, Mondays are PWYC, but as always, get there early as there are limited seats
- Box office 416-368-3110, or information on the Actors Repertory Company website

Photo of Ginger Ruriko Busch by Chris Gallow