Toronto Fringe Review: John Who

Photo by Blair Bouskill

John Who is an hour-long play that doesn’t waste a single second of stage time. In fact, lead actor and writer Ken Pak starts acting even before the play begins. While the audience shuffles in, gets comfy, and checks their phone one last time, Pak (as titular character John) paces the stage. It’s the kind of pre-show fun that gets you excited to see some live theatre.

Once the lights go out, it isn’t long before we’re introduced to our dynamic ensemble. Playwright John is flanked by four muses: a curious child, an opinionated pre-teen, and respective Mother/Father archetypes. The group is explosive, at times combative, but ultimately affectionate. It’s the perfect representation of what goes on in the creative mind.

As John rallies the muses to help him with a new play, he is plagued by the pressure of building his legacy. Adding to this frustration, John has to grapple with some new neurological limitations. The subject matter is tender and relatable to anyone who’s ever felt disappointed by their abilities, or lack thereof.

The cast uses childhood toys as props and world-building tools, something that ties into John’s yet-to-be-written play in a beautiful way. It’s the perfect show for someone who loves a bit of low-tech spectacle with a lot of heart.

While John Who is fast-paced fun from start to finish, it manages to explore its heavier themes with the reverence they deserve. Well presented with a charming cast, you’ll be happy you put it on your watch list.

John Who is on now until July 17 as part of the 2022 Toronto Fringe Festival.
Find show times and tickets here.