Known for her rather unique Freestanding Room production of Antonin Artaud’s “A Spurt of Blood” at the 2019 Montreal Fringe Festival, Marissa Blair is one of Montreal’s most unique, daring and edgy performers and producers. Her newest work, “The Celebrity Obsession” explores the mind of an obsessed celebrity fan, a psychopath who obsesses over one woman—as if the rest of the world and reality never existed.
A show that features a live tattooing by local artist and past Fringe producer Sophie Nicole as well as nudity, projections and an ending that does nothing short of leaving the audience’s jaw on the floor, “The Celebrity Obsession” explores how far a human can go in obsessing over an idea, person or fantasy, and how the world around them distorts.
Throughout the show, Blair sings a few songs along to a full radio track, but with a rawness and carefree aspect of her voice that perfectly evokes the desperation and psychotic state a human can reach when obsessing. The production was absolutely enthralling and captivated the audience from start to finish.
“The Celebrity Obsession” is 30 minutes that will certainly make a lasting impression on audiences as one of this year’s most memorable Fringe productions. For Blair however, each performance literally leaves a lasting mark on her as well (a tattoo).
“The Celebrity Obsession” runs until June 20th at the Studio Hydro-Quebec (Monument Nationale). For more information and tickets, check out www.montrealfringe.ca. The show is rated 18+ and contains live tattooing and nudity.
