Destination: Journey

Well, a little late on this review. My apologies up-front to those concerned. The change in the weather can sometimes get to a person, and that was the case with me. Fortunately, this is a long-enough run for you to still get out there and see this show. And if you haven’t gone to see the Great Canadian Theatre Company in their new home in the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre, you should. It’s a wonderful space for the GCTC, and a huge congratulations to them and ther supporters for all of their fundraising efforts to secure the theatre. And now, without further ado . . .

“I, Claudia” by Kristen Thomson
Produced by Crow’s Theatre
Directed by Chris Abraham
Starring Liisa Repo-Martell

Like many of my friends and family, I am a child of divorce. In my case, I was about five, and my parents lived on opposite ends of the country. I lived with my mom, and never heard from my dad. And until my teenage years when my mom re-married, I never really had a father figure in my life at all. That kind of background stays with you for the rest of your life. And it affects so many of us. But how often do you see this explored in the arts? How often do we really talk about the effect of divorce?

“I, Claudia” takes a look at divorce through the eyes of a young girl (twelve and three-quarters). Through the use of masks, she is joined by a few other characters in her life who provide insight and tell a different side to Claudia’s story. And even though her’s was a different path than mine, I found many truths in this play. I thought it was well done for the most part, and I do recommend it.

I must admit to finding the ending a little difficult to follow, but that may have been due to the effects of the fog machine that seemed to run for the entire show and the use of the strobe light. I appreciated the mood that both of these created, but as an audience member, for me it just went a little too far. I certainly don’t think that should stop anyone from seeing this wonderful production, but maybe just be a little warned.

I had a chance to talk to Liisa and Chris prior to the show. You can listen and/or download it here: I Claudia Interview for CHUO 89.1 FM (Running time: 12:40, about 11.6 MB — if you are downloading this for airplay, please just leave a comment here to let me know, and I’ll put your station link here). The interview ran a little long, but I think there is some interesteing discussion about the arts and the recent cuts by the federal government.

Overall, I think this is a strong start to what looks like will be an interesting season for the GCTC. Entitled “Stages”, the six plays for 2008-2009 are set to explore six stages of life. There will also be art showcased at the theatre to reflect the theme or nature of each stage. You can find out more information at the GCTC website: www.gctc.ca

“I, Claudia” runs between now and September 28.
Regular GCTC performance times: Tuesdays-Fridays 8pm, Saturdays 4pm & 8:30pm, Sundays 2pm
Great Canadian Theatre Company
Irving greenberg Theatre
1233 Wellington Street West (at Holland Avenue)
University of Ottawa Theatre Building
Tickets – prices vary, so check out the website.

One of the many great things about being a volunteer at a local community station is the opportunity to see local events and meet the people behind the scenes. Last night was no exception. I got to see a great show, record an interview with its cast and director, and go play in the production studio this morning before heading off to work.

Playing Bare by Dominic Champagne
As translated by Shelley Tepperman
Produced by Evolution Theatre
Directed by Christopher Bedford
Starring Lawrence Aronovitch, William Beddoe, Jerome Bourgault, Fletcher Gailey-Snell, Kel Parsons, Chantale Plante

I’m always up for a look at reality, our existence, and the human condition. I think is is something many of us seriously think about at some point. No matter how you slice it, we all come into this world, we’re here for a time, and then we move on. How we choose to live our life is up to us (extenuating circumstances of environment and opportunity notwithstanding).

This play is an interesting mix of approaches to the journey, but one central path is one of waiting. Waiting for what? For opening night? For a spiritual sign to explain the meaning of our existence? For someone’s next thought? For direction? I don’t know if you’ll find your answers in Playing Bare, but I thouroughly enjoyed this particular passing of time. I got quite caught up in the lives of these characters – the comedy of their meetings, the tragedy of their pasts and presents, their moments of inspiration, the quirkiness of their souls. I was left inspired and thinking about my own soul and how I’m living my own journey.

I had a chance to talk to the cast and director prior to the show. You can listen and/or download it here: Playing Bare Interview for CHUO 89.1 FM (Running time: 11:13, about 10.2 MB — if you are downloading this for airplay, please just leave a comment here to let me know, and I’ll put your station link here).

From cast to director to lights and sound, even to the shoes on their feet, this is a show that does not disappoint. So be sure to check it out between now and September 13:
Sept. 3-6 and Sept. 10-13 at 8 PM
Sept. 6 & 13 Saturday matinées at 4 PM (Sept. 6 is pay-what-you-can)
Academic Hall, 133 Séraphin-Marion
University of Ottawa Theatre Building
Tickets – $15 adults, $10 students/seniors. Reserve tickets at 613-864-3386 or reservations [at] evolutiontheatre [dot] ca

More information at www.evolutiontheatre.ca