My first few days at SummerWorks have been nicely paced. Most of the plays I’ve seen deal with some heavy topics. But this is the point in theatre and art, in general, to make us ponder about such topics, engage and debate. Here are my thoughts…
Extinction Song
Written & Directed by Ron Jenkins
Starring: Ron Pederson
This is a one-man play about a child, James, who creates a fantasy world to escape the realities of living with an alcoholic father. James takes us into this world wherein he’s been raised by wolves and his ‘real’ parents were killed in a car accident. He refers to his alcoholic father as “The Mountie” and his mothers as “Stepmom.”
Pederson portrays James in a very believable manner. When ‘James’ acts like his father, Pederson does this quite effortlessly. The set design, James’ bedroom, is well chosen and conveys James’ environment. The lighting and sound design also help us transition from James’ room into his imagination. The story itself is serious, funny, and sad. Although this play has received accolades prior to SummerWorks, my one comment is that I found the first half rather long. This, however, did not take away from a strong performance and good direction by Pederson and Jenkins respectively.
Playing at Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace
Performance dates: Wed. Aug 15th at 8:00 PM; Fri. Aug 17th at 8:00 PM; Sat. Aug 18th at 5:30 PM; Sun. Aug 19th at 12:30 PM
Terre Haute
Written by Edmund White
Director: Alistair Newton – Starring: Terrence Bryant & Todd Michael Sandomirsky
The play incorporates a series of death-row interviews based on real-life correspondence between author Gore Vidal and Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh. The powerful yet subdued nature of the two actors draws the audience in and keep us engaged for the whole 75 minutes.
Their interactions are very intimate…at times funny, others angry, and even sad. Bryan and Sandomirsky are both believable as the older and younger character, respectively. Through their dialogue we come to see each of the men’s humanity; each with wants, needs, and beliefs. Their natures collide at times but through that there is a tangible connection between the two.
Playing at The Lower Ossington Theatre
Performance dates: Wed. Aug 15th at 5:00 PM; Fri. Aug 17th at 10:00 PM; Sat. Aug 18th at 12:00 PM
Derailed
Written by & Starring: The 2012 AMY Ensemble (Artists Mentoring Youth)
Director: Megan Watson
The play is comprised of a stories put together by the young women members of the AMY ensemble. The stories are played out inside TTC stations and subway trains. Some of the stories tackle family issues, mental health issues, racism, politics, love, and loss.
Members of the ensemble vary in their acting experience yet they give it their all. The set and light design are kept simply but work well in reminding us of the confines of a subway car. Glad to see young ladies feeling empowered to share their stories, their struggles, and their successes on stage.
Playing at Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace
Performance dates: Thurs. Aug 16th at 4:30 PM; Fri. Aug 17th at 7:00 PM; Sat. Aug 18th at 11:30 AM; Sun. Aug 19th at 7:00 PM
Aneemah’s Spot
Written by MOTION
Director: Dan Marie Bridge – Starring: Araya Mengesha & Amanda Parris
Set in Aneemah’s home, we meet the two young friends trying to deal with a serious issue. Sound and music provided by DJ L’Oqenz set the mood and also mirror the tension and love between the two characters.
Mengesha and Parris are both equally talented. Their delivery of the spoken word and rhyme aspects of the play actually hold up. The story is strong and very true to life in the big city. It deals with loss, friendship and much more. An intimate portrait of what young in the ‘inner city’ encounter in their everyday lives.
Playing at The Lower Ossington Theatre
Performance dates: Thr. Aug 16th at 10:00 PM; Sat. Aug 18th at 5:00 PM
Stay tuned for more of my reviews. You can always follow me on Twitter and Facebook for my thoughts on other plays/shows. For all other SummerWorks details visit summerworks.ca.