European explorers arrived in what is now British Columbia in the last quarter of the 1700s. The period from then to now is relatively short and yet, I am woefully uneducated when it comes to the events that have helped shaped the province. Living on Vancouver Island with an island-centric mentality has not helped. For instance, I knew nothing of the Chilcotin War and the Gold Rush (beyond how it related to Victoria). Well, now rides … [Read more...]
The Fall of the House of Usher – Craigdarroch Castle. A review.
October 21, 2011 By 2 Comments
I love site specific theatre. For me, going to a play is visceral - the sights (costumes, sets, décor) sounds, and sometimes smells (gunpowder) combining to create an emotional experience. Adding the ability to live within the décor only serves to heighten this feeling. Giggling Iguana and director Ian Case have been creating site specific work in Victoria since 2001 at Craigdarroch Castle, beginning with Ian's adaptation of The Fall of the … [Read more...]
Gormenghast – William Head on Stage
October 18, 2011 By 2 Comments
What a magnificent choice to celebrate WHoS (William Head on Stage) 30th year and 50th production, in this, the centenary year of Gormenghast's author Mervyn Peake. This tale - part morality play, part fantasy - recounts the history of a kingdom where rule and ritual reign and the mantra "No Change!" is well respected. It's production in a federal minimum security institution carries a certain level of double-entendre. … [Read more...]
Moscow Stations by Theatre Inconnu, Fundraiser Performances
October 14, 2011 By 2 Comments
Theatre Inconnu is Victoria's longest surviving alternative theatre company, established in 1978 by Katya Kern-Aho and Clayton Jevne. I've been a fan since 2005 when they produced The Ecstasy of Rita Joe in the round using masks. The play was almost 40 years old but this hard-hitting treatment made is as relevant to today's audience as it was in 1967. Why had it taken me so long to appreciate their offerings? During the 1980s and 1990s I was … [Read more...]
Fundraiser for Actor, Chris Mackie, injured in pedestrian-bus accident
October 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment
I was first introduced to Chris Mackie in 2008 when he performed in Martin McDonagh's harrowing tale The Pillowman at Theatre Inconnu. He was so menacing as the cop Ariel that I was terrified, and queasy. … [Read more...]
A Fall of Theatre in Victoria BC
October 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Now that the heady days of summer are over, and we've fringed until we can't any more, what's a theatre-goer to do during the fall theatre season? There are plenty of options between now and the winter (Christmas) holiday. Many people are familiar with The Belfry Theatre, the Phoenix Theatre and Langham Court but what about Theatre Inconnu, Giggling Iguana, WHOS (William Head on Stage), Sin City, Paper Street Theatre, Island Repertory … [Read more...]
And Slowly Beauty – Belfry Theatre and NAC co-production
September 26, 2011 By 2 Comments
A play about a man who goes to the theatre to see The Three Sisters by Chekov, and is changed. Does this sound boring, a play about a play? Well – it’s not. As a matter of fact, And Slowly Beauty, by Michel Nadeau, is just that – a slow moving heartfelt meditation on the beauty of life that surrounds us, minute by minute, often – ignored- and of the transformative power of the arts. … [Read more...]
Vancouver Fringe Festival suggestions (from the Victoria Fringe)
September 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment
I am not a reviewer, but do see a lot of theatre – 38 shows at this year’s Victoria Fringe Festival (and somehow I managed NOT to see all the shows from Victoria going on to Vancouver). Here's a list of all the shows from the Victoria Fringe that are coming to Vancouver. The productions are uniformly excellent. However, my taste in theatre may not be yours. Caveat emptor! I've listed the shows alphabetically, as they are indexed in the … [Read more...]
Nanaimo Fringetastic Theatre Festival
September 7, 2011 By 2 Comments
After 14 years, Fringe Theatre returns to Nanaimo thanks to a trio of eager young impressarios - Jeremy Banks, Spencer Sacht-Lund and Chelsee Damon. From September 8-11, revel in a variety of theatrical experiences - 8 performers, 32 shows, 3 venues - something for everybody at the Nanaimo Fringetastic Theatre Festival. … [Read more...]
Victoria Fringe Festival 2011 – my “away” picks
August 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Disclaimers first: I am not a reviewer, but I do see a lot of theatre –33 shows at last year’s Victoria Fringe Festival. During the year I volunteer regularly with Atomic Vaudeville, Intrepid Theatre, The Canadian College of Performing Arts and Theatre SKAM. I attend the Belfry, Theatre Inconnu, Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre and the Phoenix Theatre at Uvic too. I have either seen these performers in previous shows, or been intrigued by … [Read more...]
