Those Who Can’t Do…

Reviewed by Paula Citron
October 14, 2011

Those Who Can’t Do…
Theatre Passe Muraille
Written and performed by Erin Fleck
Directed by Shari Hollet
Theatre Passe Muraille Back Space
Oct. 6 to 29, 2011

Those Who Can’t Do… is a very earnest solo show written and performed by Erin Fleck.

A teacher, whose subjects are English and Ancient Civilizations, is given a Grade 9 girl’s health class. It later comes out that senior boys have forced some of these 14-year-olds into a sex ring.

The play begins with the teacher trying to get a handle on a curriculum written 12 years ago. En route we see Lillian’s relationship with her students, and the reaction to the abuse scandal by the principal, parents and students.

Fleck does attempt to differentiate the various voices, but there is a lot of explaining in the text, which amounts to telling rather than showing.

Director Shari Hollet has Fleck drag a chalkboard all around the stage to break-up the talking heads, but it does become distracting.

Nonetheless, the message about the state of health education is pretty grim.

Those Who Can’t Do… continues at Theatre Passe Muraille until Oct. 29.