Braving the rain last night, I went into Fernwood to see Jared. Directed by Clayton Jevne, Jared is a one act, 45-minute comedy (although I won’t hesitate to say there is some darkness thrown into it). Playwright and noted Canadian author Rachel Wyatt takes us through Jared’s story in this compelling and moving performance.
Jared—played by Rudy Smith—is a somewhat dreamy yet dying to be heard barista who, while trying to make it as an actor, makes ends meet (we hope) working for the public in a quaint and cozy coffee bar. Between the comings and goings of his customers, an audience member will quickly understand that most of these people are regulars who Jared sees every day. But since he is the only person actually acting in the show, how can an audience member come to that conclusion? That’s where this play gets creative.
The set is completely convincing as a favourite coffee shop, with authenticity in its plants and coffee-specials board, and a warm colour scheme, but what really makes the production stand out is the character drawings that illustrate the story as Jared narrates it; they appear on a medium-sized screen one might mistake for a window on one of the walls. The drawings themselves are mesmerizing; they dance with the storyline and accentuate its humorous and tender moments. It is a graphic novel in live action.
While watching Jared talk, one can tell that, like many of those in the service industry—coffee-shop employees, bartenders, hairstylists—he is becoming tired of his amateur-counselling role, and is perhaps finding out more than he wants to about the world and the people in it.
Jared’s narrative, accompanied by the beautiful artwork (70 drawings, drawn by Smith), makes me definitely recommend this performance as something to get out and watch. It’s a perfect play to see in these unsure times, as it will take your heart in hand and remind you of how important human connection really is.
Jared
Various days and times, until Saturday, October 9
$8 student tickets, Paul Phillips Hall (1923 Fernwood Road)
theatreinconnu.com