Walt's Review of 'O' a Fool

Classic Show:
Next Generation Show:

Mark Jaster dazzles audiences as 'O' (pronounced with a long O^oooo_ooooh; it's important to get the raising and lowering of your voice just right), a court jester.

The performance is done completely mute, drawing observers into into a world of imagination where he changes the rules through an assortment of clever acrobatics and contortions.

Unlike a mime, 'O' uses props, if not unorthodoxy. With a clever talent for non-verbal communication like I've never seen before, complex ideas, stories, and situations are relayed to the audience and requests are made as well.

Each performance differs just a little, as obviously 'O' crafts each show on the fly. The antics are clever, and some downright amazing, unlike raw slapstick and goofiness. 'O' can create illusions and draw you into them.

Aside from mute humor, 'O' has all kinds of hidden talents, from balancing to playing various unexpected musical instruments.

I encountered 'O' at the Maryland Renissance festival, where he performs two different shows, his classic and his Next Generation that involves his offspring.

While his revised show has more tumbling, the focus is more directed at his children than on his character; despite being a strong support of the family, the 'O' character is strongest when it stands alone. 'O' excels at audience interaction.

I have never, ever, ever seen 'O' drop out of character. Even when I've tried to ask a serious question, I get a serious answer, but always from 'O' using non-verbal communication.

Even asking for a business card is tough, because 'O' takes you very literally.

Asking, "Do you have a card?"

Qualifying, "Do you have a business card, so I can contact you" ...contact info is on back...

Anyhow, lucky for you, he appears to be for hire.

This page last updated