One of the more unique shows at this year’s Alberta Theatre Projects playRites is Mammalian Diving Reflex’s Diplomatic Immunities, running February 10th through 19th at the BD&P Stage 2 in the Engineered Air Theatre. This multimedia exploration of society and life in Calgary promises to be a very interesting evening.

The piece is a collaboration of Toronto’s Faisal Anwar, Naomi Campbell and Darren O’Donnell and locals Jennie Esdale, Terrance Houle, Tarik Robinson and Vicki Stroich. The group recently started work in Calgary and are wandering the streets with a video camera and questions to the public.

It’s an interesting experience to be interviewed by the group, whose relaxed demeanor quickly puts you at ease as you find yourself opening up more and more, surprising yourself with what you are willing to talk about. This isn’t a regular interview; in most cases you walk away asking more questions than the group did. Some of the questions are run of the mill, others are shocking, but it leaves you thinking.

After being grilled myself, I joined the seven members on Stephen Avenue to watch them work from the other side of the camera. It was a fascinating afternoon. The group spoke to five different people during my time with them, and their answers revealed a broad dynamic even in a few short blocks. An attractive young lady who is temping at a architectural firm while working as an actress was followed by an addict who spent 14 years in prison for armed robbery. He was followed by a couple that was traveling the mall in wheelchairs, who spoke of their love for each other, their seven year relationship and their lives. On the opposite end of the spectrum was the young, well dressed investment banker with a home in Bankview and a girlfriend.

I found it surprising how easily and quickly people opened up, even having been interviewed myself. While part of it likely is due to people wanting their fifteen minutes of fame, at the same time the stories that were told were quite fascinating. People frankly discussed their lives – the positives and negatives – and I walked away appreciating what I had as well as the chance to learn about and from those interviewed.

I am still not sure what to expect from the show itself. By the end of the two weeks of pre-show preparation, hours of footage will have been shot and edited into an eighty-minute show. It promises to be unique and enjoyable. Who knows what you will see? It may even be you!

Diplomatic Immunities
February 10th – 19th, 2006
ATP playRites Festival
www.atplive.com