From Press Release
Creating Dialogue Through Art – Community Theatre Intimately Explores Mass Shootings & Survivors Guilt in The December Man (L’homme de décembre)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, ON – As we approach the one-year anniversary of the Danforth shooting in Toronto, the creative team at Theatre@Eastminster felt compelled to present The December Man (L’homme de décembre), by Canadian playwright Colleen Murphy as part of the 2019 Toronto Fringe Festival.
Murphy’s play is set in the aftermath of the 1989 Montreal Massacre and is a harrowing exploration of the supports necessary to help individuals impacted by this kind of horrific violence, and what happens when these supports are absent. Throughout the play, opportunities for healing and discussion are offered . . . and ultimately missed as the fictional Fournier family suffers the aftermath in private.
Just as the Montreal Massacre is permanently etched on the Canadian consciousness, so too, are the events of last summer still rippling through the Toronto community. Creative Director, Jennifer CD Thomson, a Danforth resident & high-school drama teacher, was called by the messaging of the play. “After the shooting, I felt compelled, as an artist, educator and mother, to help my children and students learn how to cope, as well as the broader community.”
Following each performance, audience members are invited to participate in a discussion on the themes explored in the work, facilitated by expert partners. Theater@Eastminster’s creative team hopes that, by sparking discussion in a safe space, they are offering a rare and unique opportunity for the community to come together for open dialogue.
Talk backs will be facilitated by the Sashbear Foundation, which provides support and training for families impacted by emotional dysregulation, joined by Mark Farrant, an expert on the subject of PTSD and violent crime, and East End United’s reverend, Sarah Miller.
Opens July 4, 2019 runs to July 14, 2019
EASTMINSTER UNITED CHURCH COMMUNITY SPACE
310 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON M4K 1N6
Venue Details: Accessible – Limited (Narrow Hallways) / Air Conditioned – No / Outdoor – No
Performances
July 4, 6:00pm I July 5 7:30pm I July 6, 4:30pm I July 12, 7:30pm I July 13, 6:00pm I July 14, 1:00pm
Runtime: 90 minutes
Tickets Available Now!
Online: fringetoronto.com I By Phone: 416-966-1062 I In Person: During the festival at POSTSCRIPT (the patio at the Toronto Fringe) located in the Hockey Rink at 275 Bathurst Street
Creative Team:
Directed by Jennifer CD Thomson
Starring Stephen Flett, Kris Langille and Jonas Trottier
Producer: Shawn McDonald
Voice & Dialect Coach: Christine Berg
Stage Manager: Adele Thomson
Assistant Stage Manager: Katie Norman
Set design: Ron McKay
Lighting Design: Chris Bennett