Theatre Inconnu announces their 2012 season

It promises to be another fantastic season at Theatre Inconnu in 2012. Consistently producing some of the most challenging theatre I have the pleasure of seeing in any given year, on a bare-bones budget, with semi-professional actors, and mentoring emerging theatre artists, Theatre Inconnu merits your attention!  Established in 1978 by Katya Kern-Aho and Clayton Jevne, they are Victoria’s longest surviving alternative theatre company.  The list of Canadian, North American and English language premieres they have brought to the stage is amazing.

Scroll to the bottom of this post to see  details on ways to save by purchasing the entire 2012 season.

The Crackwalker by Judith Thompson – March 2 – 17

Previews Feb 28 & Mar 1 Opens Mar 2

Then at 8pm Mar 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17

And at 2pm Mar 3, 4, 10, 11, 17

Few plays have so honestly and empathically represented a level of social interaction that we as Canadians would rather ignore.  Thompson’s four characters are lowlife misfits as far as respectable community is concerned, but their interaction demonstrates a symbiotic relationship that is every bit as rich and complicated as those in more “elevated” circles.  This is an exquisitely balanced piece of writing in which all characters equally drive the plot and equally share their lives with the audience.  While Thompson won her first Governor General’s Award for a later play, this play – her first – is an achievement as impressive as anything that followed.

“The Crackwalker’s [characters] are mesmerizingly real. These people live with you.” —Globe and Mail

“Exudes vitality.” —Toronto Star

“This play established a reputation for playwright Judith Thompson as a daring chronicler of the urban underclass.” —Eye Weekly

The Walworth Farce by Enda Walsh – June 1st – June 16th

Previews May 29th, 31st Opens June 1

Then at 8pm June 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16

And at 2pm June 2, 3, 9, 10, 16

How does a family process an event that has traumatized the individual members in such a way that they are unable to participate in life beyond the presence of those who have shared this trauma? Award winning Irish playwright Enda Walsh continues the season’s focus on superb play construction, combined with deep penetration into human psychology and emotional interaction.  As the “family” commences the annually recreation of a buffoon-style dramatization of the hidden secret that haunts them all, we are given subtle signs that this may be the year to bring the trauma to a head.

“…loud, mad and viciously theatrical. It’s ranting virtuosity and exceptionally grounded performances make it remarkable.” – Time Out London

“If there is a bleaker, funnier or more desperate play in Edinburgh this year, I’ll eat my hat.”—Guardian

Blackbird by David Harrower – Oct 5 – Oct 20

Previews Oct 2 & 4 Opens Oct 5

Then at 8pm Oct 6, 10, 11, 12, 13,17, 18, 19, 20

And at 2pm 6, 7, 13, 14, 20

This play won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2007 and has continued to garner praise in Europe and North America.  Inspired by the true story, it depicts the meeting between a young woman and a middle-aged man with whom, fifteen years earlier, at the age of twelve, she had had a sexual relationship.  The woman, Una, has been struggling throughout her life to understand and come to terms with the affair and her conflicting emotions that shift between anger, curiosity, confusion, and attachment to the offender Ray.  Ray, who has gone on to have a stable job and relationship, now has this life of stability potentially threatened.  He must find a means of dealing with a situation that forces him to examine his own past and present morality, and self-conception.

“A drama that promises to be the most powerful of the season. Theater at its most elemental.”  (The New York Times)

Kafka the Musical by Murray Gold – Nov 30 – Dec 15

Preview Nov 27 & 29  Opens Nov 30

Then at 8pm Dec 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15

And at 2pm Dec 1, 2, 8, 9, 15

Franz Kafka has been approached by a famous producer to start in a musical based upon himself.  There are only two problems though:  he can’t sing or act.  But his participation will ensure a guaranteed hit!  Murray Gold is an internationally acclaimed playwright and composer whose work has defined the mood of the current TV series Dr. Who.  In this outing, Gold’s talents use the figure of Kafka to take us on a thrilling “hum-along” descent into madness.  Just like Kafka we are kept guessing as to whether it is the main character who is coming apart, or whether he is the victim of a diabolical practical joke. Don’t be daunted by any preconceptions of the main character.  Gold has made this musical romp accessible to all.  At times funny, at times suspenseful, Kafka the Musical always demonstrates theatricality at its most entertaining.  Originally commissioned by BBC as a radio play, we will be working personally with Mr. Gold in this world premiere stage adaptation.

2012 Season Tickets New Years Special! Valid until January 1^st, 2012

Four-show packages (including membership)

Adults:  $28 (If purchased individually: $56)

Students and seniors: $20 (If purchased individually: $40)

Two-show packages (including membership)

Adults:  $20 (If purchased individually: $28)

Students and seniors: $15 (If purchased individually: $20)

Tickets can be purchased online at Ticket Rocket or by downloading and printing this form and mailing it to Theatre Inconnu.