Winners and Losers

James Long and Marcus Youssef in Winners and Losers.

The term "frenemy" comes to mind during Winners and Losers, a funny-turned-scathing staged converation between real-life pals James Long and Marcus Youssef, now on stage at the Berkeley Street Theatre. Presented by Crow's Theatre in association with Canadian Stage, the show is a savagely honest battle of wits in which the two performers constantly try to one-up each other while debating whether people and things—such as Mayor Rob Ford, Pamela Anderson and China—are winners or losers. The result is a soul-baring piece that asks challenging socioeconomic questions about the nature of competition and pushes the boundaries of politeness.

The back-and-forth debate structure makes for an interesting, if somewhat obnoxious and ocassionally inaudible argument that becomes increasingly sardonic and personal as the performers reach the finish line. Both Long and Youssef argue their points of view passionately, but there is no clear winner in the end—only awkward silence. While not entirely satisfying, Winners and Losers is intentionally uncomfortable, squirm-in-your-seat theatre that gets you thinking about your own place in the world.

Winners & Losers runs until December 8 at the Berkeley Street Theatre. Visit canadianstage.com for more information and to buy tickets.

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Q&A: Winners and Losers

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