A man searches for elusive fulfillment in The Accidental Pilgrim. (Photo courtesy of Capital Fringe)

Reminds us of: The Lovely Bones crossed with Requiem for a Dream, without the murder, drugs, dialogue, or heavy emotions.

Flop, Fine or Fringe-tastic?: Flop

Film and sound play key roles in The Accidental Pilgrim, a performance art piece that director B. Stanley writes in the program is “more of an experience than a play.” Neither plot nor narrative-driven, the show creates a dreamlike environment that’s open to a range of interpretations. For the first few minutes, no one speaks. A film sets the scene in a train station as the minute hand of a clock ticks away. Soon, the hands of the clock disappear, like the Cheshire Cat fading into the woods. An ensemble of characters in decade-bending outfits drift on and off the stage, each taking us further from any semblance of a plot and deeper into a dream state, or something even more confusing—purgatory or some kind of “in between” where acid trips play out.

What is the show about? That’s probably best left up to audience members to decide. It centers around a man who embarks on a journey that doesn’t go according to plan. But the message of the production does seem to be much broader than one guy’s miserable travel experience. His beautiful, hip destination, he says, is “where it’s at.” But a pair of nosy strangers warn him that “it” is elusive, whatever “it” is. If you have no idea where you’re going, the journey becomes more important than the destination. If you can take that approach to this production, you just might enjoy the ride. If, however, you prefer what unfolds on stage to make sense, this production will confuse and disappoint. Some moments are baffling, such as a few belly dancing scenes and one involving paper airplanes. Other scenes almost make sense, but leave a lot up to the audience member to unpack and interpret. If you can see the art in anything, then great. If not, use your $17 for a production that has something to say, and that says it a bit more clearly.

Where to See It: DC Arts Center

When to See It: July 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 28, 29, all at 7:30 p.m.

Check out all of our coverage of this year’s Capital Fringe Festival here.