I usually had a pen and pad by me to make notes about what I was hearing. Instead, I chose not to do this but simply put those two items down, closed my eyes, and allowed this cleverly paced and sharply delivered ‘Six Characters In Search of an Author’ to develop in my mind.
Read MoreCovid has brought the live theatre industry to a screeching halt, but Soulpepper’s audio drama is alive and well as ‘Moonlodge’ is in extremely capable hands under Jani Lauzon’s graceful and compassionate direction.
Read MoreTranslating a play into audio only is surely a difficult task but ‘The Walls’ is an excellent candidate. The set is stark enough to be easily described with a dull plain room and walls with no windows. The dialogue is prominent especially with the chilling, insincere voices of the interrogators.
Read MoreThere were moments where I felt that my breath and heartbeat were also keeping time to the majestic harmony of the striking visual images on the back scrim coupled with the passionate vocalists. The sound of periodic water and waves lapping against the shore reminded me of the healing power of water.
Read MoreWith all the safety Covid protocols in place right now, I was far more concerned how this Alice would be able to maintain six feet distance for the performers’ health especially when singing is incorporated…
Read MoreI didn’t find anything rotten in the table read of Rosen’s script as I thoroughly enjoyed the vocal work of these artists as they took me back to an untrue historical literary account of the ‘other’ Shakespeare, but who the hell cares on that account?
Read MoreHer final moments with the 4’33” performance are breathtaking – she stands with her violin, holding it with reverence, almost caressing it as a child. The scene is not so much about silence or ambient noise, but more about how we listen…
Read MoreWhile waiting for the production to begin, I felt this tingling sensation that someone (or something) for some reason seemed to be stalking me…
Read More“I will admit that I found ‘acts of faith’ challenging because I kept wondering if this story was going to be another attack on the Christian faith and those who choose to embrace it?”
Read More“In this time of lockdown and isolation, Tarragon Acoustic’s ‘7 Stories’ challenges us even more to ponder further the idiosyncrasies of life thrown at us, especially in this time of Covid. But when a decent audio production like this comes around and makes for a really good story, it’s worth spending the time to enter Panych’s world.”
Read More“Set during the unending Afghan war the listener is exposed to horrifying scenes of unspeakable atrocities. Through intimate conversations among Canadian soldiers, we learn of terrifying wounds, repugnant torture, and Sophie’s choice-like life and death decision making.”
Read MoreSome very clever and surprising behind the scene tricks underscored this original story which, at times, was part fantasy and part horror thanks to co-playwrights Lindy Finlan and Kim Blackwell
Read More“‘The Water Gun Song’ becomes a possible starting point to begin that discussion with all young people about racial tension. Given the fact theatres are currently closed, this streamed presentation allows us to enter this world and see things from both a child’s and adult’s point of view.”
Read More“Recently, I shared a most enjoyable conversation with Necessary Angel’s Artistic Director Alan Dilworth and artist Alana Bridgewater about the Resilience Project Shorts. In a press release I received from the company, Mr. Dilworth spoke about Necessary Angel’s ‘new ways to make meaning and connect with our communities in the face of the staggering challenges and changing circumstances of this time of the Covid -19 pandemic.’”
Read More“If the opportunity ever arises for you to submit a mundane mystery to The Ministry of Mundane Mysteries, jump at the chance.”
Read More“Myers and Schaal cleverly enrich the story with a number of simple metaphors and symbols that sprout into deeper connections and more lofty themes. “
Read MoreAnita Majumder’s ‘Flower Girl’ challenges the viewer to consider what the world should look like after the Covid-19 lock-down. It had me thinking what my responsibility is in making those changes come about. These questions might not be top of mind during a conversation between a bride and her wedding planner, but that is just what Ms. Majumder’s story gives us.
Read MoreFor a piece written in such a short time Dyer wrote a twenty-minute play of character depth which became emotional for me. From the moment Carrie enters the room and pulls the duvet over her, I was pulled in. The stress she shares with the audience is sharply felt.
Read MoreThe phrase “these are strange times” is getting a little tiresome, but a project from Tarragon Theatre this weekend alternatively reminds us that difficulties can inspire unique and powerful creativity. To replace their scrubbed annual gala, seventeen resident playwrights were challenged to create and perform five minute playlets based on the theme of possibility and hope for a post covid world
Read MoreA strong symbiotic chemistry of collaboration between Director Nina Lee Aquino and Kevin Hanchard as Victor created a very real portrayal of a hurting and visceral man who was doing his best to keep it all together even though he is on the “precipice of a nervous breakdown”,
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