Walking out of the first viewing of Monks, I felt as if I had discovered one the Fringe’s (perhaps not so hidden) gems. Created by Annie Luján and Veronica Hortigüela, the show will make you laugh, cry, and laugh so hard you cry.
Following two medieval monks – played by Luján and Hortigüela – as they brave a storm, count and clean lentils, and search for their lost donkey, Monks is a riotous explosion of chaotic energy.
The duo makes it clear right away that the audience is part of the show. We are swiftly initiated into the brotherhood by way of lentils and bread (with an option for celiacs provided!) and prayer – though it’s not prayer like you imagine it.
The show’s highlight was the duo’s chemistry with each other and with the audience. Luján and Hortigüela adapt quickly and with wit to any audience interjections, to the point where you can’t tell the difference between what is scripted and what is improvised. Their physical comedy is also brilliant, inciting laughter without even saying a word.
You are plunged right into the absurd with this show, with no way of telling what comes next at any point. Just when the brothers are about to engage in prayer, they rope the audience into a game instead. When you think it couldn’t get any stranger, the devil himself makes a raunchy appearance. Though I felt certain parts were slightly drawn out, like the storm and the ‘pin the tail on the donkey’ gag, all in all the show keeps a good pace.
Towards the end of the show, the monks reflect on the privilege of doing “nothing at all” with your loved ones in an unexpectedly tender moment. I was amazed at how seamlessly they transitioned from scrambling around, pinning a tail on a donkey just five minutes before to moving the audience to tears.
Luján and Hortigüela have created a hilarious religious experience with Monks that will stay with you long after you initially join the brotherhood.
Monks will be running until 29 August at Lime Studio at Greenside at George Street. You can buy tickets here.
Image provided by Kayleigh Pike to The Student for press use.
