Matti McLean is in Montreal Fringe supporting SOLOVELA 

Existential Lingerie by Lou Lawrence

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Lou Lawrence needs a new bra. Or maybe someone who can take her bra shopping. I am not much help in the department - but in this hauntingly familiar space that she finds herself in between being and breakdown (that every artist wears like a shadow) she has created something supremely special that speaks to the uniquely terrible and wonderful position of artistic existence today. 

Wow, that's a mouthful. 

Between humour, effortless storytelling and a relaxed confidence Lou easily guides the audience through a show that on the surface might appear to be about dating, but is actually rooted in artistic expression and the struggles of being an artist in the modern era. Combining silly songs, with deeper layers that quickly reveal themselves, this show does a great job of making the artistic struggle and mindset apparent. 

Told over a particularly challenging artistic week, Lou is offered a position of security at the cost of her artistic expression (a la Mark in RENT but without the whining), and frames it as a series of dates with a potential mate, Carl. 

Lou not only respects her audience, but she also does a great job of fleshing out her struggles, the artistic experience, and even adds a surprising amount of depth and substance to Carl who could easily be played as a punching bag throughout the piece. 

The idea of existential lingerie is a perfect title as it encompasses the things we're not supposed to show but are always there. I was deeply moved by this piece and thoroughly impressed by the ability she had to shine a light on some of the things that every artist struggles with but can have trouble articulating. A beautiful, dreadful, deeply moving piece that will stay with you long after you leave the theatre.