Philip Sawaia reviews Marshall Kahente Diabo’s Dolycule (directed by Bri Bedard) at Mile End Improv Theatre for Montréal Fringe 2026 — a dance solo about polyamory, told through three sheddings: the white gown, the clown pants, and the body itself.
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A four-star review of Marshall Kahente Diabo’s Dolycule at Mile End Improv Theatre, Montréal Fringe 2026 — a dance solo about polyamory, told in three sheddings and one closing tableau.
One thing that usually goes completely missed in my Fringe programme is a dance show. This year, I decided to change that. I made my way to the Mile End Improv Theatre to watch Dolycule, performed by Marshall Kahente Diabo and directed by Bri Bedard.
On stage, we find Marshall in a beautiful white gown that covers his entire body. He starts by making it look proper, almost perfect. He is graceful in his movements. Soft, sensitive. He reminds me of a ballerina in a music box.
Slowly, he starts to shed the gown, almost like a snake shedding its skin. Underneath the white gown is a completely colourful pair of pants. They could remind you of clown pants. In complete control of his body, and still in complete grace, his movements remind me of someone who is largely intoxicated after a night out.
Suddenly, he sheds another layer! He is in underwear. Vulnerable. There is nowhere else to hide. He lies down between two people. His two lovers?
Was all of that real? Were these the internal thoughts of the last figure lying in bed?
In the show, Diabo presents us with some possibilities of a polyamorous life. Polyamory is a complex conversation, and Marshall manages to depict very clear images of what it means to him, what he might want it to look like, or what it currently looks like. At the same time, he challenges the audience to think about how we are more alike than we think, monogamous or not. Whether we have one partner or four, relationship struggles are all the same.
The performer surprised me with how much ease he has in such different styles. Marshall is a multi-skilled dancer. He has the softness and sensitivity for slower and more fluid styles, while also having the determination for high-energy performances. One thing is for certain: no matter the style that was chosen, you could always feel the emotions conveyed by Diabo. The use of the lights gave us some clues about the intended emotions.
If you are anything like me and you tend to skip over dance shows, I urge you to change that! There is so much that can be said without words. All we need to do is attend a Fringe show to see it.
Dolycule — Montréal Fringe 2026
Performed by Marshall Kahente Diabo
Directed by Bri Bedard
Venue Mile End Improv Theatre
Reviewed by Philip Sawaia
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