Toronto Fringe Review: The Garden of Alla

Shawn Lall, Rebecca Perry and Neta J. Rose. Photo by David Kingsmill

The Garden of Alla, playing at the 2022 Fringe Festival, is a lush and lavish, steamy and sultry tale of the love for controversial art and the lengths a person will go to in order to live an authentic life. Written by Steven Elliott Jackson and directed by Andrew Lamb, the tale centers on film trailblazer, Broadway sweetheart, and proud bisexual Alla Nazimova (Rebecca Perry) who is trying to convince her “husband” Charles Bryant (Shawn Lall) to direct her in a film adaptation of the highly controversial and often banned play Oscar Wilde’s Salome. She has also roped in her lover Natacha Rambova (Neta J. Rose) to design the sets and costumes.

In the progression of the story, we learn that a religious lobbyist, William B. Hays, has issued a strict code of conduct that has been sent to all Hollywood studios to be fully adhered to by all artists thus threatening the livelihoods and the art of Alla, Charles, and Natacha. The question remains, to what length will this trio reach in order to maintain their lives, love, and art?

There is much to love with The Garden of Alla - the performances across the board are just remarkable. Perry’s persona and delivery as Alla is sexy and alluring. She’s determined to succeed and fully believes in her dream, Perry brings so much joy and life to her portrayal. With Lall’s role as Charles, we feel his deep love for Alla but we also feel his struggle to not lose his name as a respected director. His internal conflict is real as is his chemistry with Alla. Rounding out the trio, Rose as Natacha leads with their heart. Again we feel the mutual adoration between Alla and Natacha. The performances are amplified by the beauty of the set and costumes making for a production that is equally as stunning visually. 

The Garden of Alla is a stand out at this year’s Fringe Festival and well worth including in your Fringe plans.

The Garden of Alla is on now until July 17 at the 2022 Toronto Fringe Festival.
Find show times and tickets here.