Kissing Swinburne: Toronto 2010 Fringe Preview

From Press Release

Poetry, puppets… Biting.  Welcome to the world of Kissing Swinburne.

Lady Trevelyan’s Circle Presents:

Kissing Swinburne

Puppets, live action, and masks transport you into the imagined, sadomasochistic world of Victorian poet, Algernon Swinburne and his love-struck companion, Theodore Watts.  To win Swinburne’s love, Theo must triumph over a lusty ghost resurrected through salacious letters, a school mistress who paddles with enthusiasm, a preacher who wants a nibble, and puppets who will do anything for a BITE!

The play opens at BREAD & CIRCUS – 299 Augusta Avenue in Kensington Market
at the Toronto Fringe Festival – Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 @ 6:45 PM

KISSING SWINBURNE is our vision of the relationship between the infamous Algernon Swinburne (a poet and writer in the late 1800’s), Theodore Watts (his literary agent) and the ghost of Mary Gordon (Swinburne’s first love and first cousin!).  Swinburne was derided throughout his early writing career for his sadomasochistic poetry and unfounded claims of notorious behaviour.  Mark Huisman and Claire Frances Muir, award-winning filmmakers (Marchlight Films) have created a theatrical experience told through puppetry, mask and live action, exploring Swinburne’s loves, memories and hallucinations.

Featuring: Dora Nominated Actress, Mary Krohnert, Mark Huisman (Odyssey Theatre, Theatre Beyond Words) and Claire Frances Muir (Odyssey Theatre, Theatre Beyond Words).  Masks built and created by Karen Rodd (CanStage, Metropolitan Opera, NY).   Directed by David Talbot (The Second City).

How does one seduce a drunken poet with a propensity for biting?

Find out when you immerse yourself in the world of Kissing Swinburne.

An Original Play Written by Mark Huisman and Claire Frances Muir

Directed by: David Talbot

Featuring: Mark Huisman, Mary Krohnert, Claire Frances Muir and an array of puppets!
Stage Manager/Lighting Designer: Bonnie Anderson

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE & BOX OFFICE INFORMATION

Wednesday, June 30 – 6:45 PM

Friday, July 2 –   8:30 PM

Saturday, July 3 – 6:45 PM

Sunday, July 4 – 5:00 PM

Monday, July 5 – 8:30 PM

Tuesday, July 6 – 5:00 PM

Wednesday, July 7 – 5:00 PM

Thursday, July 8 – 8:30 PM

Friday, July 9 – 6:45 PM

Saturday, July 10 – 5:00 PM

Sunday, July 11 – 8:30 PM

Theatre Location:  BREAD & CIRCUS, in Kensington Market, 299 Augusta Avenue

Ticket Information: Tickets: Toronto Fringe Hotline – 416.966.1062 or www.fringetoronto.com

Fringe Passes are available after June 5, 2010, for more info: www.fringetoronto.com

Ticket Prices:  Advance – $11 ($9 plus $2 service charge) / at the door – $10