Braced, a one-woman show written and preformed by Rebecca Steele, is a rendering of our formative years, when figuring out our passions seemed as difficult as figuring out who to sit with at lunch. But for Lauren Royal, the main character who’s dealing with scoliosis, development during these years was more obvious than most teens, represented by a hard, plastic, back brace that she wore for most of high school.

Steele makes the physical object around Lauren’s body – one that she awkwardly touches and adjusts while simultaneously trying to ignore throughout the show – something the audience can relate to emotionally. It is the embarrassment and frustration she experiences dealing with the back brace that reminds us of our own “braces” – characteristics or impediments that have defined us all.

Lauren is one of over a dozen characters Steele plays throughout the show. Steele’s theatrical skill is such that she can transform an empty stage into a waiting room full of bodies and commotion. Lauren slouches in her waiting chair, dreading an appointment with her doctor, while her fidgety mother, an unwell old man, an overly interested woman, and anxious mother with a child, and a nurse who excessively enunciates her words appear around her. All  of these multifaceted characters are preformed distinctly and comically by Steele.

I was completely engrossed in her command over such a crowded scene until she, unfortunately, fumbled over a word and repeated part of the phrase before continuing. No performer wants to get caught on a work, but for me, this small error was a reminder of the endurance and skill needed for this kind of demanding performance.

The range within the character Lauren is also captivating. Based on Steele’s own struggles with scoliosis in her teenage years, the character has an interest in drama and a talent for impressions. From musical performances to impressions of Audrey Hepburn, it is no wonder that the character on stage is deeply engrained in Steele herself, who landed a place at the renowned Circle in the Square Theater School in New York City.

Following her graduation from Circle in the Square Theatre School, Steele went on to produce and preform her show Braced at the Midtown International Theatre Festival 2012 in New York City. It was nominated for four awards at the festival, including “Outstanding Production of a Play,” “Outstanding New Script for a Full Production,” “Outstanding Costume Design for a Full Production,” and “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play (Full Production).”

Steele has toured the show through Canadian schools and has now brought it to her hometown for the Vancouver Fringe Festival 2013.

The wide recognition Steele has received for her story is a testament to the abandon with which she preforms it. She is able to transform her performance from tender to hilarious in a breath. A convincing example of reconciling our troubles with comedy, this performance will definitely move you.

For more information on Braced, including ticked information and show times, visit the show’s specific website. More details about the Vancouver Fringe Festival, which runs until September 15, can be found online.