Chimpskin

This show was wonderfully entertaining. The story was clear and beautiful, due mainly to the strength in the material being based on a true story. Director Ben managed to transport his audience to another time and place with the aid of a long rope and a record player. Everything I would expect to see at the Fringe.... full review

Chimpskin takes the concept of physical theatre and stretches it into a fully realized, emotional story. The physicality of the actors is beautiful, as is their versatility when switching characters. Damla Coskun's embodiment of the chimp is spot on, from the way she carries herself to what she does with her facial reactions. The piece moves smoothly and doesn't drag at all over the hour run time. Nathan Nonhof provides fascinating, eerie didgeridoo accompaniment which adds a much more in the moment feel. At the same time, the use of a record player utilizes recorded music that all flows with the piece. One of the most unique shows at Fringe this year, and one of my favorites.... full review

This is an absolute must see. (For starters: LIVE DIDGERIDOO! That should be enough.) I came across this show because it randomly fit in my viewing schedule and am beyond delighted that I chanced it. This show takes an already fascinating/disturbing real life story and transforms it into a thought-provoking, transfixing work of theater. The ensemble's strong physical acting, the excellent direction, elegantly simple stage design and haunting musical accompaniment created a total work of art that completely transports the audience in a truly theatrical experience. I cannot recommend this enough: this is what you hope to see when you go into a theater, something that really uses theatricality, not something that pretends to be television. This... full review

I came in with no expectations and came out so incredibly inspired. The acting was outstanding as well as the directing. Also incredible writing, I cried through the whole experience. I loved it! ... full review

The Chimpskin performance really seemed to be a refreshing experiment in theater, its sense of exploration really suits the festival well. It told the story well with a fresh voice. I would greatly recommend it. ... full review

Inspired by the true story of Lucy, Chimpskin is about a chimpanzee that was raised as a human by psychoanalyst Maurice and his wife Jane Temerlin. They raised her for 11 years, and when she became too difficult to take care of, abandoned her in an African chimpanzee colony. This devised piece by the Puckwit Gang beautifuly depicts her life story through evocative movement, haunting music, and strong performances from the ensemble. Special mention is necessary for Damla Coskun as Lucy: her movements are specific and chimp-like while bringing a humanity to this creature who is eventually abandoned by her “parents.” Director Ben Landmesser allows inventive movement to tell the story when words aren’t enough. Most effective is the use of whi... full review

Excellent work at creating a theatre piece to tell a fascinating story. Done with respect and full emotional connections. I hope this piece gets further developed. ... full review