Toronto Fringe Review: ERIKA: Fringe Edition

ERIKA: Fringe Edition (The Street Fighter Collective) is about the titular character, Erika (Trini Nish), after she receives a contract asking her to give up the land she lives on in exchange for 40 acres in the desert and a mule. Her boyfriend Bryce (Bryce Volrath) is determined to help her keep her home but has he put his trust in the right people?

While ERIKA is somewhat heavy-handed in its storytelling, it shines a light on the important issue of Indigenous land rights. The story parallels both the original land theft of Turtle Island, as well as the ongoing displacement and forcible removal of Indigenous Peoples today.

In this case, a mining company wants Erika’s land. Everyone keeps telling her that she is getting a good deal, but who wants to try and turn desert into farmland?

Aaron Hamm’s performance as city representative Rudi stands out. He is almost a cross between a sleazy noir detective and Mr. Incredible. Throughout the show, we can never quite tell whose side he’s really on. Bryce is confident that Rudi will be able to help Erika keep her house, but his confidence wavers as Rudi shows no urgency to act.

The show is missing clarity in some parts. The characters lack depth, which makes it harder to connect with them. In the performance I watched, it was sometimes hard to hear the actors clearly. ERIKA: Fringe Edition ends how it begins–abruptly. That being said, it is very clear in its main message.

If you like comedies that deal with social issues, then this play might be for you.

ERIKA: Fringe Edition is on now until July 17 as part of the 2022 Toronto Fringe Festival.
Find show times and tickets here.