Ivan Plank (Dash Kruck) and his cousin Juniper (Emily Burton) present the audience with their own play about the impossibly dark subject matter of 26 unfortunate accidents relating to childhood death.
But wait!! The work is not as tasteless as the premise suggests — the causes of death are sufficiently improbable to avoid alarm. Benjamin Schostakowski’s play, which premiered in La Boite’s 2012 Indie program, depicts teenage cousins who are the epitome of the quirky and awkward innocence that those hoping to succeed, possess. The comedic script probes the inner workings of the cousins’ relationship and their attitudes towards the show (which Ivan has devised) and each other.
Kruck’s Ivan is a meticulous and intense perfectionist, while Burton’s Juniper valliantly attempts to support him, desperately wanting him to realise how incredibly talented he is (and how incredibly attracted to him she is). Juniper’s infatuation with Ivan becomes increasingly urgent, resulting in some mirthful awkwardness.
Burton and Kruck deliver believable familial chemistry with aplomb using proximity, gestures and eye contact all to great effect. Normally uncomfortable scenes were articulated so that you couldn’t look away or hold back amusement. Never has being conflicted been so enjoyable. The blood-spattered duo received well-deserved applause, accepting three bows from the audience at the conclusion. See this.
