'Pornstar' needs another fresh look at the script. Glaring technical issues in blocking and directorial vision impede the show from attaining its full potential."

I must applaud Tharshan Raj and his friend Mayurathan Thevathas.  'Pornstar' marks their debut as theatre co-writers with this 2025 Toronto Fringe show.  I had to do some research about them first. From what I found, both Tharshan and Mayurathan aim to continue bringing bold stories to the stage that challenge the mainstream's narrow representation by showcasing South Asian characters in unconventional roles. This decision to confront and break boundaries in the way audiences perceive traditional narratives is an admirable one. I hope they will continue to hone their skills as theatre writers.

It's 2003. Ari (Tharshan Raj) works in the adult film industry in Montreal. When his mother, Kavitha (Sumathy Balaram), sister, Abby (Sahana Srikandarajah), and Aunt Rani (Jereen Ignatious) discover what Ari does for a living, the once-familial world Ari knows back home erupts into chaos. Rani is the one who knocks at Kavitha's door early in the morning to bring the news of Ari's job in Montreal. While in the process, Abby also wakes up to see what's going on. Ari knows he must travel back home to Toronto to have some uncomfortable conversations with his family.  There is an unseen father who works in Dubai who leaves some angry messages on the phone when word comes out about his son's job.'

The production company Seven Studios and Events bills' Pornstar' as a bold, unflinching 'dramedy' that blends humour and heart to explore identity, acceptance, and the complexities of breaking free from societal expectations. I will admit the play's title caught my eye when I went through the Festival Book.  The actors are committed to telling the story from a unique perspective. Their voices need to be heard, and that's commendable because the theatre is all about hearing as many voices as possible.

While individual costume choices effectively delineate the characters, some glaring technical issues are puzzling from an audience perspective.

The first is calling 'Pornstar' a 'dramedy.' It comes across more as satire, most notably in Raj's over-the-top performance as Ari and the music that plays in the background each time he enters.

As co-director, Thevathas bears significant responsibility for the direction, while Raj must focus on developing Ari's character. Mayurathan's eyes must constantly move around the stage to ensure pacing is maintained. It's not happening.

Several blocking issues, as well as glaring technical errors, become highly noticeable. For one, the scene changes in blackout bring the action to a complete halt. It is the audience who has to rebuild interest in the plot again, and that shouldn't be happening. It would also be a good idea to have some pre-selected music playing during the set change so there isn't an awkward silence. There are also lighting issues, where characters appear in shadow when speaking. The actors must know how to find their light whenever that occurs.

The set and props appear cramped at centre-stage. Could the playing space be made a tad larger? At times, actor movements appear awkward. They get in each other's way. The actors also need some training in delivering lines. Most of the time, there appears to be a great deal of shouting, and no one seems to listen and respond to what they are hearing from each other.

Final Comments: Yes, 'Pornstar' is a valiant attempt to break barriers, and I hope the co-playwrights and co-directors continue honing their skills in the theatre.  A fresh look at the script again would be of tremendous benefit to begin what needs to be cut and fleshed out further.

Running time: approximately 60 minutes.

'Pornstar' runs July 6, 7, 9. 10, 12 and 13 in the Young Centre for The Performing Arts in the Distillery District.  For tickets: fringetoronto.com.

7 STUDIOS & EVENTS Incorporated present
PORNSTAR

Producer: Tharshan Raj
Director: Tharshan Raj, Mayurathan Thevathas
Writers: Tharshan Raj, Mayurathan Thevathas
Stage Manager and Lighting Designer: Mayurathan Thevathas
Set Designer: Mayurathan Thevathas

Cast: Tharshan Raj, Sahana Srikandarajah, Sumathy Balaram, Jereen Ignatious