Crimes of the Heart at UVic Phoenix Theatre. A review. In 2018, Beth Henley’s southern-based drama Crimes of the Heart (set in small town Mississippi in 1974 and at the University of Victoria Phoenix Theatre February 13-24, 2018) is problematic—on one hand, it’s the story of three sisters bonded through a troubled childhood, on uneasy terms with one another as adults; on the other it’s a fine example of racism so pervasive as to be invisible, … [Read more...]
The Madwoman of Chaillot at UVic Phoenix. Nov 9-25 2017. A review.
November 13, 2017 By Leave a Comment
The Madwoman of Chaillot at UVic Phoenix. Nov 9-25 2017. A review. The latest University of Victoria Phoenix Theatre production--Giraudoux’s The Madwoman of Chaillot November 9-25, 2017--is grandiose--huge in scale and extremely physical, playing on the edges with hints of the absurd, and yet, the dialogue sends shivers down the spine with its prescience and modernity. Giraudoux wrote the play during the Nazi occupation of France and did … [Read more...]
Les Liaisons Dangeureuses at UVic Phoenix Theatre November 8-26, 2016. A Review.
November 10, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Les Liaisons Dangeureuses at UVic Phoenix Theatre November 8-26, 2016. A Review. In the seemingly limitless space of the Chief Dan George Theatre, majestic rivers of drapery—lighting playing enticingly upon surfaces (Eryn Griffith)—adorn the back wall, alluding to the sumptuous and excessive manner in which the rich, idle and bored French nobility live. By focusing on a small selection of furniture pieces—a chaise longue, a table, benches and … [Read more...]
The Slipknot by TJ Dawe at the UVic Phoenix Alumni Festival October 18-22, 2016. A review.
October 21, 2016 By Leave a Comment
The Slipknot by TJ Dawe at the UVic Phoenix Alumni Festival October 18-22, 2016. A review. The years have not dulled the acuity or relevance of TJ Dawe’s narrative, The Slipknot, presented at the inaugural Phoenix “Spotlight on Alumni” in January 2003, and staged once again as part of the Alumni Festival to celebrate the Phoenix’s 50th anniversary. Dawe graduated from UVic in 1997 and quickly became a contender on the Canadian Fringe … [Read more...]
A Fall of Theatre 2016 in Victoria BC
September 15, 2016 By Leave a Comment
A Fall of Theatre 2016 in Victoria BC Fall, with its abundance of theatre performances, is once again here--I count an astonishing forty performances in the period September-December 2016 (and am sure there will be more announced! This article will be updated regularly as I become aware of them.) The Belfry Theatre celebrates a 41st season that is "Contemporary.Canadian." with an emphasis on plays by women, about women, directed by … [Read more...]
A Winter of Theatre 2016 in Victoria BC. January and February.
January 21, 2016 By 2 Comments
A Winter of Theatre in Victoria BC 2016. January and February. Over the past few years, the normally staid months of January and February have been a hive of activity as local theatre groups launch new projects and regular seasons and series. This year is no exception with 23 productions in January and February (and I'm sure more will be added as I become aware of them). I most apologize for the late posting of this article. The beginning of … [Read more...]
Loon by the Wonderheads at UVic Phoenix Theatre. Spotlight on Alumni. October 14-24, 2015. A review.
October 16, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Loon by the Wonderheads at UVic Phoenix Theatre. Spotlight on Alumni. October 14-24, 2015. A review. Since graduating from the University of Victoria in 2003, Kate Braidwood has studied at Dell’Arte International school of physical theatre and founded The Wonderheads with now-husband Andrew Phoenix. By magical transmutation and superb artistic ability, a full size larval mask (see notes at the end) appears to come alive in the character of … [Read more...]
Lion in the Streets at UVic Phoenix Theatre February 12-21 2015. A review.
February 16, 2015 By 1 Comment
Lion in the Streets at UVic Phoenix Theatre February 12-21, 2015. A review. Twenty five years have not dimmed the provocative power and searing intensity of Judith Thompson’s Lion in the Streets (currently at the University of Victoria Phoenix Theatre February 10-21). Written in 1990 as a heart cry to current events in her Toronto neighbourhood, this dark tale prowls on the edges of human story and experience, digging into corners most would … [Read more...]
A Midsummer Night’s Dream at UVic Phoenix Theatre. A review.
November 9, 2014 By Leave a Comment
A Midsummer Night's Dream at UVic Phoenix Theatre. A review. Boisterous, rambunctious and full of heart, the current UVic Phoenix Theatre production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream (November 2 -22, 2014) is a treat. Director Fran Gebhardt has set the play in 1970s New York City, imagining factions of hippies, punks and preppies, complete with an extensive collection of music of the time (Kieran MacNaughton sound design) The Duke—Theseus … [Read more...]
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. UVic Phoenix Spotlight on Alumni October 9-18 2014. A review.
October 10, 2014 By 1 Comment
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, the current UVic Phoenix “Spotlight on Alumni” (October 9-18, 2014) is a vigourous and spiritied re-telling of the timeless classic by CS Lewis. PLEASE NOTE: Due to the popularity of this show, two additional performances have been added October 24th at 8pm and October 25th at 2pm. Starring UVic grads Mack Gordon (BFA ’08) and Kaitlin Williams (BFA ’09) this production is a 90 minute adaptation by Ron … [Read more...]
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