This is a story about a man and a woman. Two neighbours who had never met before, until the day that the blue, sad looking woman, decides it is time to end her life. Yet despite her determination, one attempt after the other—as if someone was conspiring to keep her alive—she fails.

But who are they? In this play there are no words, and no faces; just Irving and Rachel, performed by actor Keltie Brown and Alex Forsyth who wear masks—which was an interesting variation since I had never seen a play of this sort. But the use of masks in no way weakened it, if anything it complemented the play so that one could concentrate on the story of the characters and not on the character themselves. In a way, the masks made the characters ageless, without a past or a background; they are, potentially, anyone.

The excellent performances were of great aid in learning about the characters: actress Keltie Brown’s character is a shy, anxious, and dramatic woman that has OCD or at least an obsessive compulsive personality. Similarity, co-star Alex Forsyth tells us about the man: an equally shy artist who has a romantic interest in his neighbour, who longs to get close to someone and is determined to keep his upstairs neighbour alive.

7 ways to Die: A love story is a funny, although dark, cute story told in a peculiar yet admirable way. With no words in this play, there is room for analyzing and even for creating and elaborating on the life of these characters.  Quoting a member of the audience “you may be $12.50 poorer, but you saw a great show.” It will not disappoint you.

This show plays at the Walterdale Friday and Sunday. For more information about the schedule visit the Fringe Theatre Adventure‘s website or YEGLive.ca. Tickets: $12.50