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Fringe 2009: Morro and Jasp and Aunt Flo
Photo courtesy of Up Your Nose and In Your Toes Productions.
There are a lot of funny shows at the Fringe this year, but Morro and Jasp Do Puberty might just be the funniest. The two red-nosed clowns (whose shows are typically semi-educational and meant for young audiences) get bold and ballsy in this adults-only show that is basically all about menstruation. And it’s popular. So popular, in fact, that even though its Fringe run is technically over, it won the coveted Patron’s Pick spot at its venue (the Tarragon Extra Space) and will be doing an extra performance tonight at 6:45 p.m. (For a complete list of Patron’s Pick shows, see here.)
Are you now or have you ever been a teen girl? Or known one? Or felt like one? If so, Morro and Jasp Do Puberty will get to you in a pretty serious way. Morro is a tomboyish type who hates that she just got her period and would rather play soccer baseball with boys than go to a dance with them. Her older sister Jasp (who still hasn’t had her period yet, which is so totally unfair!) is perhaps more traditionally feminine; she cares about makeup, her diary, and making an entrance at the school dance that will make everyone realize how wrong they were about her. With shout-outs to Leonardo DiCaprio and a soundtrack boasting songs by Veruca Salt, K’s Choice, and Boyz II Men, this show is definitely meant for an audience who started their “special changes” in the late ’90s, although it’s hard to imagine anyone not being able to relate to this honest, charming portrayal of young teen existence or not to be laughing hysterically the whole way through. But you may never look at tampons in the same way again.
The Fringe runs until July 12 at various locations around the city. Check back for Torontoist’s daily Fringe coverage throughout the festival.