Twisted – Live Play Review

Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street

By Natalie Paterson

I was able to attend the world premiere of Twisted, a modern-day re-imagining of Oliver Twist set in the heart of Toronto. The show took place at the Factory Theatre, and was about 80 minutes in length. Simply put, it is a story told with “sex, drugs, and cellphones.” The show stars Susanna Fournier as Nancy, and Ngabo Nabea as Oliver.

Twisted tells a tale of Oliver, an orphaned black man taken under the wing of a drug lord named Dodger, and Nancy, a bottom girl working for a pimp by the name of Sikes. Through the use of spoken word and poetic text messages, their love for each other is revealed to the audience, as well as their plans to escape to a better life. While still being a modern take on a classic, the show manages to incorporate one of the most memorable lines in a way you would probably not see coming.

The story is set in Toronto, and uses familiar locations such as the Eaton Centre and Yonge-Dundas Square. Although it was a smaller stage, it was expanded through the use of creative lighting and video graphics cast onto the backing wall of the set. The stage itself was brought to life by the talent exuding from both actors. The show wasn’t at all what I was expecting it to be, but I loved every minute of it.

I highly recommend seeing this while you can! The show is running through February 22^nd, 2015, and ticket prices range from $23 to $45.