Toronto Fringe Review: Saskatchewan - An Aspirational Polyamorous Adventure

Polyamory is a woefully underrepresented subject in Toronto theatre. But judging from Justin Hay’s funny and oddly touching new play, it has lots of dramatic, and comic, potential. 

Throuple Sarah (Naima Sundiata), Nathan (Ben Chinapen) and Simon (Hiketaka Ishii) have moved from Toronto to small-town Saskatchewan to start anew and possibly raise a family. They haven’t even unpacked their boxes when charming people-magnet Simon announces he’s invited older neighbouring couple Nancy (Maria Syrgiannis) and Will (Dan Willmott) over for tea and coffee. 

Comedy immediately ensues, as Nathan tries to pass Sarah off as his sole partner, Simon occasionally letting slip that he’s part of their household, too. After Nancy opens some boxes and doesn’t understand their contents, and Will talks about the differences between barnyard animals and humans, the stakes rise a couple of notches. And then the plot takes another twist that ties everything together. 

Hay, who starred in last year’s Hymns and Hearse, has constructed a very amusing farce that clicks because the characters are so clearly defined. He’s also directed the play so the cast, which also includes Simon Sarnowski, feels comfortable and believably part of their romantic arrangements. 

A big, sexy, group hug of a Fringe show.

Saskatchewan: An Aspirational Polyamorous Adventure is on now until July 14 at the Toronto Fringe. Show times and tickets.