Toronto Fringe Review: 10,000 digits of Pi

The premise of 10,000 Digits of Pi is just that – Vinay Sagar has tasked himself with learning 10,000 digits and he wants us to hold him to it. Sagar aims to recite 1250 digits per show. He recites in 1-minute-long bursts, aiming to get through 30 digits in that time. If the clock runs out or he makes a mistake (two inevitabilities), he gets a self-inflicted punishment of our choosing. 

Along the way, the crew also attempt to throw him off with various recordings like someone repeatedly saying the number, “7”, a recording of Sagar giving himself a pep talk, and someone speaking in exaggerated baby talk. 

This show is certainly unique. Because the set of numbers and audience-chosen punishments change between shows, every performance is different. Sagar doesn’t seem to play a character, and the audience is involved throughout. Additionally, the entire run of the show features relaxed performances, allowing people to come and go as they please. This is one of those shows that blurs the line between audience and performer, and makes you wonder if it’s a play or even a comedy show altogether. It’s a nice respite from the otherwise formality of theatre. 

Despite being in control of the punishments, we wanted Sagar to succeed. When he got on a roll, I noticed that many of us were on the edge of our seats cheering him on. The couple times he made it through 30 digits in time felt ecstatic as the room erupted in applause. I also noticed the “punishments” were tame – some of my favourites were: “take off your shoes”, “tell us something you find beautiful about yourself”, and “imitate someone being called on The Price is Right”. That said, I wonder how the energy of the audience changes between shows – maybe we were one of the “better” ones. 

10,000 Digits of Pi is on now until July 17 as part of the 2022 Toronto Fringe Festival.
Find show times and tickets here.