The play Edward the “Crazy Man” was inspired by a colourful neighbourhood homeless man who lived in the streets of Cabbagetown. This work will be remounted after a successful run two years ago at Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People.
The production is geared to everyone from families with children ages eight and up to theatre lovers alike! The performance features John Cleland as Edward and Olaf Sham as Charlie. Edward might look different in his bizarre clothing made from other people’s garbage, but twelve-year-old Charlie learns that he is a real person with a family, a past, with abilities and problems and with a capacity to care for others. Edward the “Crazy Man” addresses difficult, yet important issues related to mental health, prejudice, discrimination, homelessness and people with differences. The production is way to help understand people and their differences.
To honour the Canadian Mental Health Association’s 60th Mental Health Week (May 1st – 8th) each performance will be followed by a panel discussion with a mental health expert and the actors, moderated by Patterson Fardell, Education & Outreach Manager, Workman Arts. The Gala Performance Thursday, April 28th will be moderated by Dr. David S. Goldbloom, MD, FRCPC, Senior Medical Advisor, Education and Public Affairs, CAMH; Professor of Psychiatry, University of Toronto; Vice-Chair, Mental Health Commission of Canada; Vice Chair, Stratford Festival.
Edward the “Crazy Man” will open April 28th with a gala performance at 7:30 p.m. and followed by a reception, at Theatre Passe Muraille. It will run until May 14th. Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for children/seniors. Tickets can be purchased via the Arts Box Office (16 Ryerson Avenue) www.artsboxoffice.ca or by calling 416.504.7529.