I felt that I was somewhat familiar with Shepard’s work, but I was pretty astounded at the content of the show. It begins with an old man muttering to himself about his past exploits in the Wild West. He says he is at least 120 years old and one of three brothers who led a gang of outlaws in endeavours like robbing trains. Continue reading Review: The Unseen Hand (Theatre Brouhaha/The Playwright Project)→
Angel City, part of Toronto’s Playwright Project, uses theatre to criticize the Hollywood movie scene
The Playwright Project, first initiated just last year in 2012, as The Tennessee Project, highlights a prolific playwright by featuring a variety of his or her one act plays. Within seven nights, seven theatre companies perform in seven diverse communities across Toronto. It’s a brilliant concept, making neighbourhoods more acquainted with a prominent playwright, while being affordable and accessible at the same time.
Now in its second year, The Playwright Project presents one act plays by the 20th century American playwright, actor and director, Sam Shepard. His plays tend to be rather unconventional, characterized by non-linear storytelling, existential and surrealist in nature. Angel City, directed by Alec Toller very much embodies Shepard’s formula.
Pomme Grenade’s Cowboy Mouth is another successful piece in Toronto’s Playwright Project
Cowboy Mouth is a play written by Patti Smith and Sam Shepard. It’s currently onstage as part of The Playwright Project. I was fortunate to see it at one of my favourite places in Toronto, The Cameron House, with one of my favourite people, Mike. All of these ingredients make for quite an enjoyable evening.
The Playwright Project is an extremely ambitious and a fantastic idea. That it has become a reality, and in its second year, is a minor miracle.
Geography of a Horse Dreamer blends the dark with the charismatic, part of Toronto’s Playwright Festival
Geography of a Horse Dreamer (playing as part of the Playwright Project) ends with a jam session: an old-fashioned, stomp-your-feet hootenanny, accompanied by dustbowl-folk band Local 164 on guitar and ukulele. Instead of bows, the cast urge the audience to clap along and join in on the chorus. A few good friends playing a little good music, and you’re invited to take part.
And, to some extent, this whole production feels like an extension of that jam session. A half-dozen actors who clearly relish working together just for the joy of doing so; an over-the-top, absurdist script which begs not to be taken too seriously; complete artistic freedom. When these sorts of elements collide, the result is always energetic, charismatic, compelling and worthwhile, and this production is no exception.
Scarborough Music Theatre’s South Pacific is an incredible night of Toronto theatre
Scarborough Music Theatre takes on the Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers World War II musical South Pacific. This is a story highlighting racial tension and social prejudices during WWII, the only American musical set during this time. Following the love lives of two individuals on a Naval base in the Pacific, the affects of nurture and cultural demands take their toll.
