By Mel Mouat
Barring test-tube babies and those raised inside of Russian military compounds, everyone has memorable family experiences–some good and some bad. Alberta Theatre Projects’ latest production, Marion Bridge, successfully taps into this fundamental sensibility we all share. It all boils down to playwright Daniel MacIvor’s heartfelt story of three sisters trying hard to reconnect with each… Continue reading Theatre Review: Bloody good under the Marion Bridge
Everyone has worked that terrible job. You know, the one you dread going to, the monotonous grind of the workplace where the clock is watched religiously for the impending lunch break. Specifically, the shredding of paper for the entire work day. It’s what happens to Steve Davidson (David Trimble) and Dave Stevenson (C. Adam Leigh),… Continue reading Theatre Review: The good kind of Anomaly
By Mel Mouat
Alienation and insecurities are certainly nothing new for today’s nuclear family. Family-induced angst is perfectly commonplace, the basis for practically every soap opera in existence. Marion Bridge, however, claims not to contain any of the false sentiment or sappy nuances of daytime specials, striving for the painful realism many experience in dealing with their families.… Continue reading Theatre Preview: Crossing the Marion Bridge
With a penchant for the weird and armed with their unique sound, the Plaid Tongued Devils seem to constantly play with fire. At any moment, they could fall too far into the absurd and leave audiences scratching their head. But the band always manages to walk the fine line and welcome new converts to their… Continue reading Theatre Preview: The devil in a rabbit suit
An interesting amalgam of mud, sackcloth and drag queens awaits at the University of Calgary’s Department of Drama student festival, Taking Flight. All who attend embark on a dark journey of sex, violence and every emotion in between within just 10 plays. The festival, in its inaugural year, begins with the dual presentation of Mud… Continue reading Theatre Preview: Legends of the Flying Drag Queens
In an interesting spin on launching the upcoming season of new plays, Alberta Theatre Projects staged a mock awards ceremony in front of Calgary’s enthusiastic theatre community. The ceremony, named the Martha Awards after Dr. Martha Cohen, helped ATP Artistic Director Bob White unveil the 2005/2006 season. The new season will showcase a diverse assortment… Continue reading Theatre Preview: Pirates and madness in ATP’s future
By Jaime Burnet
With all of the superfluous hyper-sexuality shoved down our throats these days, it isn’t surprising a little mystery and integrity come as a welcome and refreshing breath of relief. For some, the term “burlesque” conjures images of neon signs flashing “Live Nudes” leading to a sad little stripper strutting on stage for an audience of… Continue reading Theatre Preview: Flaming tassels of charity
No one thinks about outrunning trains anymore. Back in the old days, people played tag with trains across trestles all the time. Some even made it. Waiting to see the train come around the last bend before the bridge crossing–just enough of a lead to maybe make it to the other side ahead of the… Continue reading Theatre Preview: Who wins:kids versus train?
By Kyle Francis
It’s easy to imagine a city’s theatre scene as a dark and impregnable fortress. Only the most skilled thespians can penetrate its thick walls to make a living running their own theatre company. Most remain outside the walls only able to long for the rich treasures of fame and respect within. Because to stage anything… Continue reading Theatre Profile: Beware of Blast
By Jaime Burnet
You are now entering Vagina Country. To your right are the chocolate cupcakes decorated with pink Vs and to your left is a charming coffee table painted in the likeness of the genitalia we all know and love-complete with clit piercing and rippling labia. A dense crowd mills around, heads bobbing to drum beats, enjoying… Continue reading Theatre Review: Vagina togetherness