The Definition of Loss

Wow

Truly beautiful, highly recommend

A Beautiful Show

This show was beautiful on so many levels. From the raw emotions to the dances to personify emotions that cannot be named. Content warning: you will be sitting in a moment of grief for an hour. BUT it you can do that you will get a chance to experience beauty, humanity, and maybe even a little healing. Thank you for letting us in on these personnel Moments of your life.

Strong Mixed Medium Show

I've little to say that hasn't be said--moving show but with some hard to hear moments. Will likely have a strong resonance with those that have lost close loved ones (not an experience I've had).

Go see this

Anyone who has dealt with loss can identify with this - and yet it was intensely personal at the same time. What I was most impressed with was the dance. The movement was very well done, this wasn't just "good for a fringe performance" it was just good. I really urge you to make some time to see this.

A Fringe must see - a true work of art

"The Definition of Loss" is a profoundly moving and captivating one-act play that delves into a young girl's struggles with the loss of her mother. With just three talented performers, the play successfully navigates the complex emotions of grief, managing to elicit both laughter and tears in quick succession. The seamless combination of movement, compassion, love, regret, and forgiveness tugs at the heartstrings, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. The chemistry between the actors on stage adds a layer of authenticity to the performance, making it a truly remarkable and unforgettable experience. Without a doubt, "The Definition of Loss" comes highly recommended for anyone seeking a powerful and emotionally resonant theatrical experience.

Moving choreography

This show definitely got me balling but if I had to pick one thing, it definitely has to be the beautiful dancing and choreography by Kyra. The artistic portrayal of emotions through dance was the most touching

Hauntingly beautiful

This show is an absolute must see! The three actors have impeccable timing and chemistry together, which resulted in magic. The rawness and vulnerability displayed in the show was palpable. We laughed, we cried, and we walked away knowing we had just witnessed art. Well done! Brava!

A Creative Take

I really enjoyed the creative approach to the experience of grief. The show moved through deep emotions, while also showing some humor, and there was great chemistry between the three actors. A great way to begin my Fringe hop. :)

A Must See - The Best of Fringe

You HAVE. To See. This. Show. **Disclaimer - this is a long review, but bear with me.** It is so very poignant. My thoughts cannot help but return to it days later. As it marinates in my mind, I find that I am even more drawn to it and can more eloquently describe the experience (I was so moved after the performance that all my words were incoherent). I don’t usually write reviews, but The Definition of Loss merits one. Needless to say, I will be seeing it again. Grief is so universal yet so personal. Ash has expertly shown the audience what their own personal journey with grief has looked like, and in doing so, has created a masterpiece where the individual audience member can feel seen in their own experiences. I commemorate the author’s authenticity and not shying away, for diving headfirst, deep into this topic. Although it’s a heavy subject matter, it’s necessary. Yet the artists keep the audience from drowning in mourning with excellently timed comedy spattered throughout the show. Some times it is a dark humor that you can’t help but cackle at, some times it is a perfect reprieve from the sorrow, some times it is just plain delightful. The artist used many mediums which blended together seamlessly, but what stood out what the use of movement/dance in a play. I’ve seen many shows that have tried to used movement, but it ended up being distracting or unsuccessful. This is the first play I’ve seen where the blend of dance is natural, adds to the story, and accurately shows the audience what cannot be expressed in words. If you’re looking for a cute, straightforward little story, this is not the show for you. It is abstract and I don’t think there is any other way to accurately convey one’s feelings of loss. Because grief and the experience of loss are abstract. The house doesn’t lend itself well to theatre as many of the seats are on the same level. Even though the stage is raised, grab a seat where you can see the entirety of the stage clearly. There are lots of small details which add to the complexity that I know you would hate to miss. All of the acting and dancing is exceptional. This is a great show inside and out with very talented artists bringing it to you. Bring tissues, an open mind, and expect catharsis.

Beautifully done.

I never know what to expect at The Fringe, but this was a great way to start. The dancing is what made the show beautiful for me. Dance expresses so much that dialogue cannot on its own and it tied the show together. I thought the subject matter was explored in a creative way and had a talented cast. Sometimes it was hard to hear the actors, hopefully they’ll get a better handle on how loud they need to be as the week progresses. Overall, I really liked the show and would recommend it to anyone looking for a dramatic piece that still has levity.

A Brave and Memorable Story and Performance!

“The Definition of Loss” is a powerful and moving presentation of one person’s experience of grief. This 3-person play is definitely worth seeing, as the cast beautifully executes their roles in a convincing manner that draws the audience into the experience. Grief of any sort is a universal experience, yet very individual in its effects and expression. This play explores that theme in a way that audience members can relate to, regardless of what kind of loss they may have experienced. Loss in this play is conveyed through words, and even more so through the silence and movement of the “Also Han” character, whose dance conveyed more than words, and perhaps that which cannot even be put into words. I’m at a loss of words to say exactly what the definition of loss is, but based on this play, where there is a sort of kindly and somewhat-impish -- yet very intense -- inner version of Han that is recognized by the Mom, but not acknowledged by Han, the definition of loss would seem to include not only separation from that which is lost, but also from ourselves and part of who we were or are. This play easily could have been entitled “The Loss of Definition.” There is so much food for thought in this very emotional production. If you like a strong script that incorporates exceptional acting and impressive contemporary dance, this play is the one to see! It has some especially touching moments and memorable tear-inducing quotes (which I am so tempted to share here)! You’ll have to see the play for yourself to see what those are -- and do bring some friends for your post-play conversations! I very highly recommend this uniquely engaging, so well-performed, and very personal expression of “The Definition of Loss!”

A must see revelation

Wow…. This play was a showstopper and a game changer for what theater can do. There was so much honor for the characters written. There was clear intention to every movement and turn of phrase. There was clear perspective that felt so isolated and crowded as it took something so deeply disturbing and transformed it into something that allowed space for comfort and revelation. The mix between interpretive movement, shifts from reality to disassociation and conversations only understood by the whispers of our own personal loneliness truly hit home and showed it’s audience the most honest definition it could portray. Whether you’ve lost someone close to you or the fear of losing someone close hangs over your heart, this play will ignite something in you that is indescribable. This play was a masterpiece in its performance to describe the definition of loss. Death is a certainty, but life is a gamble. A must see production!!

Loved Loss

The Definition of Loss is a deeply personal yet universal story. I feel like I acutely understand Ash’s grief, which was wonderfully acted from start to finish by the whole cast. And in the moments when words cannot convey the feels, Kyra’s beautiful movement arises to complement the scene. The Definition of Loss is such a lovely show!

Somber but with humor and life.

Three incredibly talented actors display loss and grief with truth and honesty. Dance sequences are stunning. It’s only Sunday of the first week. Please see and experience this production.

Outstanding.

Somber, abstract, but overall unflinchingly honest. The Definition of Loss is an exploration of the depths of one person’s grief, but manages to avoid falling into the easy trap of becoming bleak or depressing. This show blends dance, drama, and even some humor to illustrate that grief is never a straight line, and always full of unexpected insights and emotions. Put it on your must-see list!

Maybe I'm not seeing what other audiences see

This is from seeing show #1. In one sentence: this show forces comedy, expresses tragedy in a cacophony of mediums, and hopes you know what to take away by the show’s end. In three sentence: I feel like I watched a show with a strong artistic mission but was unsure of the direction it wanted to express itself. When the dancing and character relationship reveals were happening, I was hooked . . . but when the monologues came with many spoonfuls of silence, too frequently quiet deliveries, and missed comedic script timing to ease the show's intense topic, I felt disconnected. But this show has golden moments, and I'm sure it will find more well-paced, bolder risks as it plays throughout the festival.

Dead Parent Club Approved!

I can’t stop thinking about this show. This has changed the way I think about the process of grief, while also touching me deeply with how I’ve processed grief myself. A must-see. Especially, if you’re a part of the dead parents club!!

At a Loss with Loss

Having known loss in many forms, including the death of a parent when I was young, I am surprised I found myself at a loss with loss. I found myself confused and pondering many questions at the beginning and throughout the performance, which unfortunately pulled me away from the show. Then I was drawn in by poignant moments, which were moving and reminiscent of loss that cannot be so much explained, but experienced. I particularly enjoyed the dance within the play which personified grief beyond words.

So lovely

A show like this can so easily slip and be overly personal to the creator, but this one didn't do that at all. I didn't feel like I was intruding but like I was invited to experience this loss with the cast. Sad, sweet, and funny. What a beautifully honest production.

THIS IS A MUST SEE

This show is absolutely heart-wrenching in the best possible way. The seamless combination of dance/movement, gorgeous language, and authentic emotion result in one of the best shows I've seen in any Fringe. Ever. Bring some tissues and sit in the front rows as the show can be quiet at times. That said, the quiet speaking lends itself to the show's authentic intimacy. DO NOT MISS YOUR CHANCE TO SEE THIS SHOW.

Awestruck With a Lot to Unpack

Despite the universal experience of grief, capturing it is incredibly difficult to do. ‘The Definition of Loss’ , even being a deeply personal piece, manages to be relatable and stir up authentic empathy in anyone. Grief is messy. Grief is all over the place (whether you like it or not). Dealing with grief means processing in many different forms and fashions, which is why this show works so well. Its blend of modern dance, comedic meta humor, silent sobbing and sprinkled in memories all work together so strongly. This is a show everyone needs to see, especially for the cupcake moment.

Somber Beautiful Raw

I didn’t know a show with so much sadness could fill my heart with love and hope. The performers expertly guided the audience on an emotional journey.

Cried the Entire Time

The movement bits were what broke me the most. I only went in knowing it was going to be sad and dear lord, is it. It tackles its subject with grace and sincerity. Highly recommend.