A Good Death – Toronto Fringe 2016 Press Release

From Press Release

Life Death Family – What Are You Fighting For?

illustration of a plug“A Good Death” is a spirited and candid examination of the most emotionally difficult, complex choice anyone must make for someone else: if, how, and when is it time to stop medical intervention and allow a loved one’s body to just let go?

 

A Good Death
By
Shelley B. Hobbs

Directed by Elizabeth Saunders, Starring Tracey Ferencz and Laura Schutt.

When life loving Adrienne is mortally injured and left in a coma, her best friend and estranged mother clash over what Adrienne’s wishes might be regarding her existence and which of them is the best person to act on her behalf. Their tug of war over Adrienne cuts to the heart of the question: who is family? Those you’re born to, those who raise you, those who care for you, or those whom you choose?  “A Good Death” plunges headfirst into this multifaceted discussion with heart and humour.  Sexuality, religion, even hockey are all grist for the mill.

Written by Shelley M Hobbs, “A Good Death ” was a short-list nominee for Best New Play of the Fringe 2016; the winner of Vancouver’s Screaming Weenie/Frank Theatre’s Clean Sheets contest; A Theatre Aurora’s Playwrights of Spring finalist; and winner of She Said Yes Theatre’s Dramaturge by Mail competition. Ms. Hobbs is co-creator of the 2009 Best of Fringe and Patron’s Pick “Hipcheck: the Musical”.  She is a lawyer for a government agency that protects the rights of incapable adults.  She lives with her wife in Leslieville.

“A Good Death” is directed by veteran actress Elizabeth Saunders, whose hit “Holy Mothers by Werner Schwab)” lit up Summerworks. Her work as both actor and director has been seen in theatres throughout Canada. Most recently she directed One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Highland’s Festival); acting credits: Orphan Black; Copper; Slings and Arrows; 6 Essential Questions (Factory Theatre); In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play(Tarragon), 4:48 Psychosis (Aether Of Us), and several seasons at the Shaw Festival. Ms’ Saunders is a Dora nominated actor, and a Gina Wilkinson Prize shortlist nominee.

The play stars Tracey Ferencz as Adrienne’s estranged, ardently religious mother and Laura Schutt as Adrienne’s feisty and tenacious long time friend, and supporter. Ms. Ferencz is a Shaw Festival veteran whose additional credits include: Hana’s Suitcase (Young People’s Theatre); The Overcoat; Becky’s New Car (Canadian Stage); Seeds (Blythe Festival); Murdoch Mysteries; King. She is a Dora and a Betty Mitchell Award nominee. Ms. Schutt is a recent Stratford Festival company member (Birmingham Conservacy) where her credits include Diary of Anne Frank, A Midsummer Nights Dream and King Lear.  Her other acting credits include The Railway Children (Mirvish); Murdoch Mysteries; Rookie Blue.

 Lighting design is by Jennifer Lennon, stage management by Meghan Maguire.

 

“A Good Death”

Tarragon Theatre – Extra Space
30 Bridgman Avenue
(Bathurst N of Dupont)

Thursday, June 30th10:30 pm
Saturday, July 2nd – 7:15 pm
Monday, July 4th  – 4:45 pm
Tuesday, July 5th
  – 8:00 pm
Wednesday, July 6th
  – 3:45 pm
Friday, July 8th
  – 5:45 pm
Sunday, July 10th
– 2:00 pm

Image provided by the company

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