CULTURE GECKO
Brain is an Audacious, Ambitious Experimental Theatre that is Humorous, Magical and Gripping Infused with a Lynchian Ascetic
By Ezekiel McAdams
August 6 2025
Blair Moro’s BRAIN is almost unfathomably in its own genre. The production is sprinkled with surreal absurdist romp anchored by phenomenal, magnetic performances and coated with subtext, existentialism and a vibe that would make filmmaker and artist, David Lynch proud
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BRAIN stars Jillian Burke (Left Brain) and Marissa Sauvé (Right Brain) as two halves of a brain trying to reconnect and stick to their routine while going a journey of self discovery what may or may not be wrong internally.
The production is pure spectacle from start to finish, a wild cavalcade of emotions, philosophy, introspection, existentialism all under the umbrella of experimental theatre.
Burke and Sauvé both steal the show, balancing unhinged insanity with snippets of audience engagement but being such distinct forces that are captivating, charming, magnetic, and hilarious all at once.
Burke carries sardonic apathy on her sleeve. Burke weaves a pessimistic fireball with her character Left Brain that allows Burke’s quick wit, physicality, facial expressions, and body language to fire on all cylinders like the neurons that are so prominent in the production.
Sauvé is a dominant ray of sunshine making her character’s aloofness and ditzy cadence charming instead of annoying or stereotypical. Her animated expressions infuse her character Right Brain with such infectious energy it cannot be captured rather a force of nature that hangs over the production.
BRAIN is sheer delight, a surreal absurdist experience that is unimaginable as it is unforgettable. Moro’s script and creation is a fascinating Frankenstein’s Monster of experimental theatre and perfect fit for Fringe theatre. Burke and Sauvé are a dynamic duo and give performances that are worthy of nominations.
BRAIN is running at The Refinery from August 1-9th 2025 at the Saskatoon Fringe Festival in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Tickets can be purchased online here, the box office or the venue itself.