Review: KITSUNE at the Ottawa Fringe Festival

Kitsune is the newest brainchild from the creators of Kimiko, a past hit at the Ottawa Fringe Festival. Part storytelling, part puppetry and part circus act, Kitsune has been promoted as one of the few family-friendly shows at the Fringe.

Kimiko (Kaylie Kreatrix) meets Kitsune, a yōkai, or fox spirit. We learn that the yōkai is a shape shifter and may take on many different traits and personalities, including that of a friend or a trickster. Kitsune are thought by the Japanese to bring good luck. When Kitsune accidentally loses its hōju no tama, a glowing pearl that represents its soul, Kitsune asks Kimiko to help find and return it. Along the way, Kimiko navigates a river, finds the entrance to a cave, and even meets a dragon.

What I love about Kitsune is that Kreatrix and co-creator, Grahame Cuthbertson have crafted an enchanting children’s story but have made it equally charming and educational for adults; Kreatrix enunciates Japanese words slowly and explains their meaning, context, and historical background.

Some of the show’s visuals are very impressive. Kreatrix’s entrance is highly theatrical, and the lighting is excellent throughout the show. Kitsune has a more intricate stage design and uses more props than any other Fringe show I saw this year, and the targeted lighting ensures that the audience remains focused on specific areas of the stage. Kimiko’s interactions with Kitsune are sweet, where they have an almost childlike wonder. The dragon scene was spellbinding and enthralled the entire audience, as gasps of appreciation filled the room.

An ambitious show that captivates its audience; it is easy to see why Kitsune earned Best of Fest for its venue and, accordingly, was rewarded with an encore performance on Sunday at 8:00 p.m. I cannot wait to see what Kreatrix and Cuthbertson present at next year’s Fringe Festival, as they continue to produce unique theatre experiences.