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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1995-06-28, Page 23Guest Column Theatre news from Montreal BY PAUL THOMPSON The opening of the latest season of the Blyth Festival seems a fitting time to contemplate what is happening in the world of theatre at another festival. I recently had the chance to spend a week in Montreal at the Festival of Theatre of the Americas, an event as far removed from our local fare as you can imagine. This is a high-profile gathering of theatre companies from around the world and Canada, who perform in venues throughout Montreal, and who come together in press conferences and round tables throughout the festival to predict and argue over the future of theatre. Some plays are exotic, some are intentionally controversial, but all elicit passionate response. Time is short (most plays perform four to five times) and the audience wants to make sure they haven't missed the "surprise hit". Will it be the piece that was almost banned' in China? Or the co- production from the Ivory Coast? The Algerian group is so controversial that Canada's External Affairs won't give them visas, creating of course, more controversy. But the biggest scandal is reserved for the American enfant terrible Peter Sellars and his new musical, challenging the high-tech approach of American blockbusters with what he calls "a simple love story." Some Quebecers are so outraged that they boo the director when he takes his bow. Passions for what people believe to be "theatre" run high and all opinions must be defended. For someone actively involved in the Blyth experience, Montreal's festival can be both alienating and strangely familiar. Much of the material is purposefully provoca- tive, challenging the authority of government as in the China play, Dossier Zero, or our attitudes towards sexual relations in La Nuit from Franco-Ontarians. But underlying all the approaches is a fundamental belief in the power and the importance of theatre. Theatre has ways of touching an audience that continue to surprise. In China it can slip through the most censorious goviernment system. In Chile, it is a way of reclaiming a collective history, and with the Vietnam water puppets it is a ritual that celebrates their collective dependence of living on and working with the forces of the river. Perhaps Blyth's commitment to a national dramaturgy and to local stories isn't so far removed. We can take heart that others are doing much the same work. One final anecdote. I found "le hit" of the festival, and someone manages to squeeze me in to this sold out event. What do I see? It is called The Dragonfly of Chicoutimi and tells the story of a French-speaking Quebecer who has been traumatized by an incident in his childhood. For years he is mute. When he finally speaks, the only words he can use are English, a language he doesn't know. The whole play intended for a French- speaking audience takes place in English. Explain that to Lucien Bouchard. Paul Thompson was the long-time artistic director of Theatre Passe Muraille. A playwright and director, he has worked throughout Canada, as well as in France, Latin America and England. This year in Blyth he directs Ted Johns and cast in He Won't Come in From the Barn. Jacklyn Francis as 'Alice Cooper' Eric Coates as 'Joe Cooper' "Brilliant is just about the only word that sums up The TOMORROW BOX at the Blyth Festival." Kitchener-Waterloo Record, June 1995 BLYTH FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE 519-523-9300 Tickets on sale now Continued from page 22 distinctive stylings to American audiences during a demanding 2 month concert promotion. Their Aug. 23 appearance will provide a rare opportunity for fans to enjoy a show that will be remembered by many for a long time to come. The show is being produced in co-operation with the Blyth Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Tickets for the Rankin Family playing the Blyth Arena in Blyth 8 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 23 are $29.50 advance avail- able at the Blyth Legion, Branch 420, Blyth Decorating, Goderich Entertainer and Robin Hood Tours in Goderich, Ernie King's Music Limited in Wingham and Reddi Chef in Clinton. Tickets will be $32 at the door. Visa/Mastercard orders phone 1-800-465-7829. Fri. - Thurs. June 30 - July 6 Fri. & Sat. 7 & 9:10 p.m. Sun. - Thurs. 8 p.m. LONG DISTANCE? CALL 1-800-265-3438 FOR TOLL FREE MOVIE INFO RancliHelmers as Vivian' Angela Fusco as Sranualie' ONLY 3 WEEKS LEFT BLYTH FESTIVAL Box Office 523-9300 BALLAD FOR A RUM RUNNER'S DAUGHTER THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 1995. PAGE 23. E ntertainment 1 Old meets new Women's lib prepares for battle against old world views in this scene from The Tomorrow Box, which opened last Wednesday at Blyth Festival. The cast from left: Harry Booker as Jack Cooper, Anne Anglin as Maureen Cooper, Jacklyn Francis as Alice Cooper, Eric Coates as Joe Cooper and Deborah Drakeford as Lisa Graham. Theatre review `Box', an entertaining way to have thoughts provoked By Bonnie Gropp You cheer, you laugh. It raises your consciousness and your hack- les. I hate to gush, but The Tomorrow Box, which opened at Blyth Festi- val on Wednesday night, is possi- bly one of the most entertaining ways to have your thoughts pro- voked. With worldwide acclaim, including several productions in Japan, the script, by Anne Chislett has already proven itself. To further improve upon near perfection this Blyth production gives you a cast that offers solid performances from ingenue to veteran. The story begins as a young legal student tries to adapt to life On the farm with her new husband; a for- mer associate professor of agricul- ture. The couple is living in a small trailer until the groom's parents move to Florida to retire. As the plot unfolds, the young bride discovers that her mother-in- law is not aware the farm has been sold to them. When her feminist lawyer sister visits, the battle of the sexes in the war of the old world over a new age begin. What so delighted me about the production was the familiarity of the characters. While I may not know one man, who possesses all of the qualities demonstrated by the father, he is certainly a compilation of some of I know. Jack Cooper, the husband and father is my father, my uncle, my brother and grandfa- ther. He has worked hard for 40 years without asking for anything in return and is nonplussed that anyone suggest he owes his wife for her hard work. Yet, despite his seeming lack of respect for Maureen, we come to understand him. The actors in Box, which is directed by Kate Trotter, are excel- lent with each well-cast in his or her role. Harry Booker as Jack, is a solid performer who gives us a very human portrayal of a patriarch who no longer has control and doesn't quite understand what happened. His son, Joe, portrayed by Eric Coates is, like so many men of his generation, mildly confused. Though he readily accepts the changing role of women in today's society, he tends to slip into a 50s perception when his parents are around. Though he would quite likely never make a major decision without consulting his wife, he did not see any reason for his father to tell his mother that he was going to sell the farm. His wife, Alice, portrayed by Jacklyn Francis, seems alternately bemused, bewildered and furious at the changes she's sees. Francis and Coates as the attrac- tive newlyweds have a nice chem- istry and play well off each other. Deborah Drakeford, making a return to Blyth after a brief absence, gives a liberating portray- al as a card carrying feminist who espouces words of wisdom and 9-1appy 65th _July 1st to Iona All my love, all my life. Cec. phrases of fantacism. With such a strong cast it is diffi- cult to believe there could .be a bright star, but Anne Anglin in the role of the overlooked wife Mau- reen shines. From vulnerable to feisty independence she runs the gamut and wins. Her performance was a joy to watch. In conclusion I must admit that reviewing this play was not an easy thing for me —obviously not because I didn't like it, but because for the first time since I can recall, I found myself completely caught up in the story and the characters. Looking at the audience around me I realized that it bridged genera- tions and genders. Whether sympa- thizing with Jack or applauding Maureen everyone was in accord. If you did not have the opportu- nity to see this play when it opened in Blyth decades ago, don't miss it again. It is a must see. With it Chislett stimulates your thoughts without asking too much of you. The Tomorrow Box is full of mes- sages that you may not necessarily uncover at that time, but will think about tomorrow. It's humour and pathos are subtle and real. Ken Pennington's 410 D.J. Service Music for all occasions' Call (519) 887-6069