The Playwrights Theatre Centre‘s annual new works festival is in full swing, with 3 days of staged readings left in the line-up:
Thursday June 11 – Stroke by Marie Leofeli Barlizo, director: Martin Kinch
A Filipino-Canadian family wrestles with its past when a traumatic event stirs up family secrets. A father and daughter, connected by their profession, but divided by years of emotional neglect, navigate the uncertain waters of memory and need.
Friday June 12 – Tear by Jason Maghanoy, director: Heidi Taylor
While fulfilling his duty to have his Grandfather’s tombstone made, a young boy is plunged into a world of new experiences. A Filipino homecoming for a Canadian boy.
Saturday June 13 – Herr Beckmann’s People by Sally Stubbs, director: Katrina Dunn, dramaturg: Martin Kinch
In 1970’s West Germany, secrets from the Second World War have driven a family apart. Prodigal daughter Anna forces her family to answer tough questions about their past, and in return is faced with moral dilemmas of her own.
All tickets are $10, $5 concession rate. Reservations recommended, and accepted after May 15 by phone: 604-685-6228 ext. 106.
The previous new works in the festival were Nigeria by Martin Gover, directed by Heidi Taylor and Medicine Boy by Waawaate Fobister, directed by Aiyyana Maracle. Fobister recently receive an amazing eight nominations at the upcoming Dora Awards, the Toronto version of our Jessies.
I had seen Sally Stubbs’ play Wreckage at the PTC a couple of years ago, and she has a marvelous and decidedly local voice. We are proud to be featuring an interview with Sally in an upcoming post, check back soon to read her take on her industry and craft.
The New Play Festival is not only an intimate look into the process of the creation of new Canadian theatre, but a great way to encourage our community to support local writing. And a great ignition switch for discussion.
Simon Ogden 