Bodybag

Mosaic Theatre&emdash;Eckhardt-Grammaté (UofW)

When I walked into the theatre, I was dismayed to see that I was the seventh person joining the audience. It is difficult to perform in front of a crowd that small, especially in a theatre that holds over 200. Then the lights went down and the performer left the audience to go onstage.

Patrick Mercado did not seem to let the small house demoralize him, but it must have been tough. The program gives a good idea of what to expect from this show, as Mercado used various forms to illustrate his loneliness and inability to fit into mainstream society.

This is very much the work of a dedicated artist who is still learning his craft. Some aspects worked better than others, and I hope in time that Mercado learns from his hits and misses.

Some material was really effective. His Lord’s Prayer moment was one place where everything clicked into place. He also needs a bigger audience to give him a better idea of what works and what doesn’t.

This was my first visit to Venue 9, but I can’t help but think that if this show were in a venue closer to Old Market Square that Mercado would have drawn the audience he needs.

Kevin Longfield