DR GLAS – Daniel Gerroll

In between the stand-up comedy and avant-garde offerings of the Tallinn Fringe, there are the occasional more traditional performances that provide something different for spectators to enjoy. Dr. Glas is one such show, a one-man play performed by Daniel Gerroll, a seasoned actor hailing from Great Brittain. Gerroll performs as the eponymous Dr. Glas in this adaptation of the 1905 Swedish novel about a doctor and his internal struggles as he becomes embroiled in the marital drama of two of his patients. With themes of abortion, affairs, and murder, this psychological thriller/drama is a meatier addition to this year’s Fringe program, offering something classical for audiences to sink their teeth into while still remaining digestible.

It is no easy feat to portray something classical and historical while at the same time being relatable to a modern audience, yet Daniel Gerroll pulls it off with ease. In an entirely engaging performance, Gerroll manages to take the subject matter of the early 20th century and make it accessible while still holding true to its roots. The actor, although playing a singular man, manages to convey the personalities of other off-stage characters effortlessly, switching between voices and adapting his body language, melting into each personality as his character recounts dialogues and dramas.

The stage is humble—no backdrops or superfluous props, just two chairs that Gerroll maneuvers around the stage and a simple pocket watch case that serves its purpose in the drama’s climax. Gerroll himself, while refined and poised in his performance, is anything but pretentious, offering up a down-to-earth performance that still conveys his classical training. Entirely enjoyable and easily watchable, I hope to see Gerroll return to the Tallinn Fringe in the years to come.

If you’d like to catch the next showing of Dr. Glas, upcoming showtimes at Heldeke! are on Friday, August 22nd and Saturday August 23rd from 21:00-22:00. Come with your literarily or historically inclined friends, bring a date, or invite your favorite professor to join you for this absorbing adaptation.

The Tallinn Fringe Festival runs until 18 September, you can find the full program here.

Author: Lily Strider