The 20th season of Alberta Theatre Project’s playRites festival is upon us, and a buzz is in the air at the Martha Cohen Theatre in the Epcore Centre for Performing Arts. The slogan for this year’s series is “Wanna peek?” and GayCalgary.com took a peek at what we can expect between now and March 5th.
Hippies and Bolsheviks by Amiel Gladstone
Directed by Rachel Ditor
Starring David Beazely, Shaker Paleja and Daniela Viaskalic.
Set in 1970’s Vancouver, Star meets draft dodger Jeff at a Led Zepplin concert. Star’s ex Allan interrupts their first night together and the three of them explore the utopia of youthful idealism and the uncertain terrain of responsible adulthood. This touching coming-of-age story will touch you while making you laugh.
The Blue Light by Mieko Ouchi
Directed by Ron Jenkins
Starring Natascha Girgis, Kate Hennig, Duval Lang, Trevor Leigh and Ryan Wilkie
Leni Riefenstahl made the most famous propaganda film in history - or was it art? She made a deal with the Nazis - or was she just naïve? She changed cinema forever - or has anything really changed at all? Headstrong, passionate, brilliant but blind, this unforgettable character fights tooth and nail to hang on to her singular, uncompromising, deeply controversial vision. One thing is for sure - she’ll never say she’s sorry.
Picking Up Chekhov by Mansel Robinson
Directed by DD Kugler
Starring David Beazely, Nascha Girgis, Kate Hennig, Tim Koetting, Duval Lang, Trevor Leigh, Caitlynne Medrek, Hilary Somerville and Daniela Vlaskalic.
Take a road trip - escape everything that sucks about your life! When teenage drama queen Stevie and her downtrodden dad pick up a mysterious hitch-hiker heading for home, their trip takes a hairpin turn. This gripping story of family, friendship and forgiveness is shot through with anger, love and violence, as a community tries to come to terms with the fundamental inexplicability of life.
Diplomatic Immunities by Mammalian Diving Reflex
See our full-length piece on Diplomatic Immunities on page 56.
Le Gros Spectacle by The Wind-Up Dames
Directed by Bob White
Starring Renee Amber, Brieanna Moench and Frank Zotter
In an era of innocence, two small town girls arrive in a city of sin determined to win fame and fortune by performing their hearts out...literally. Created by local performers The Wind-Up Dames in collaboration with Alberta Theatre Projects, this inventively told tale will stretch your perceptions of what is real and what is all part of the act.
Having had the chance to see some of the shows, this year’s playRites festival promises to have something for everyone. Tickets to individual shows are available at ticketmaster and festival packages are available through ATP’s box office.
Alberta Theatre Projects presents
The Enbridge playRites Festival of New Canadian Plays
January 24th through March 5th, 2006
ATP Box Office (403) 294-7402
www.atplive.com
