Animal Readings

What do a fat pig and a goat named Sylvia have in common?

They are both being featured as part of the Inprint Reading Series at this year's Theatre on the Edge Festival. TotE and Inprint Bookstore are pleased to be presenting two dramatic play readings. The first is Edward Albee's modern classic "The Goat: or Who is Sylvia," and the second is "Fat Pig" by Neil LeBute. Both are incredible scripts about love and life, and will have been rehearsed and discussed by their casts to provide the best readings possible.

Starting the series, "The Goat: or Who is Sylvia" is called Edward Albee's most provocative, daring, and controversial play since "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" In the play, Martin, a successful architect who has just turned fifty, leads an ostensibly ideal life with his loving wife and gay teenage son. But when he confides to his best friend that he is also in love with a goat (named Sylvia), he sets in motion events that will destroy his family and leave his life in tatters.

"This play is so extraordinary in the way the characters deal with one another," says facilitator Lisa Flower. "The situation is completely out of one's frame of reference, so they are forced to deal with it the only way they know how."

"It is an incredibly emotional ride, both for the audience and the actors," adds Flower, who will also be reading the role of Martin's wife Stevie. "Everyone is very hurt and angry, but at the same time, they still love each other a great deal, they are still a family."

Flower, who says that Stevie is her dream role, is proud to share the script with Saint John audiences. Why was Flower so keen to have this script read?

"You'll understand once you hear it, but I think that Albee says it best," she replies.

The playwright himself has said "Every civilization sets quite arbitrary limits to its tolerances. The play is about a family that is deeply rocked by an unimaginable event and how they solve that problem. It is my hope that people will think afresh about whether or not all the values they hold are valid."

"The Goat: or Who is Sylvia" is being read Wednesday, August 6th at 6:30 pm at the Saint John Theatre Company loft, 4th Floor, 93 Prince William Street.

This brings us to “Fat Pig."

Cow. Slob. Pig.

How many insults can you hear before you have to stand up and defend the woman you love? Tom faces just that question when he falls for Helen, a bright, funny, sexy young woman who happens to be plus-sized - and then some. Forced to explain his new relationship to his shallow (although shockingly funny) friends, he finally comes to terms with his own preconceptions of the importance of conventional good looks.

"A lot of theatre is built around physical ideals – "Fat Pig" really shakes those notions up," says facilitator Kizzy Kaye. "The skinny, perfectly proportioned women with beautiful hair, glowing skin, fabulous makeup, and the best clothes that money can buy may be an ideal that some of us strive to achieve; but it sets a standard that leaves most of us feeling inadequate and unsatisfied with the bodies that we have. Whatever our beliefs about the exploitation of women, we must all be aware that society - and especially the media - portray an image of women that is both unrealistic and potentially unhealthy for the vast majority of women."

"This play will make the audience squirm a bit," Kaye continues. "Whether its from wondering how a guy like Tom can be interested in a girl like Helen, or maybe they are thinking “I have been overweight – I know what Helen’s going through”, or the horror that they are finding themselves laughing at the biting, cold, crass, and brutally honest comments of Carter."

"The “squirming” is what makes this play a good fit," she adds. Kaye, a well known face on the theatre scene, is also hoping to one day direct the script, one that she loves.

"I am personally grateful to be able to hear a play that I love read by four talented people," says Kaye.

"Fat Pig" is being read Thursday, August 7th at 6:30 pm at the Saint John Theatre Company loft.

Admission is suggested donation, and is also included on the $30 Festival Pass.

Spotlight On... Emily Davidson

Emily Davidson jumped in to the theatre scene with a splash. New to the company, she landed the plum role of 'Mary Warren' in last year's production of "The Crucible." Since then, she's been a familiar face on and off stage, playing 'Laura' in March's "The Glass Menagerie," and filling the shoes of ASM for "Noises Off!" and stage managing "The Zoo Story" last TotE.

A fourth-year English major at UNBSJ, she's taking her first role in a SJTC: Second Stage production in this year's TotE. She will be playing 'Lora' in the play "Impromptu" by Tad Mosel. "Impromptu" is one of the productions included in the 'Evening of One Act Plays' line up.

"Impromptu" has a group of actors who are thrust on the stage to create a show without warning - in doing so, they explore the role of theatre, of actors, and larger concepts of self-awareness and self-identity," says director Mare Lewell.

"Impromptu" is a really self-contained piece that seems to touch on a lot bigger issues – choices, dependency, performance, self-awareness," adds Davidson. "I imagine humanity is something that will underscore all the plays put on during the festival."

"I think this is a show that can have laughs and still leave people thinking at its close."

For Emily, however, half the fun is the fun! "Rehearsals have been an absolute blast so far," Davidson says. "Because the characters we’re playing are such recognizable types, we get to explore conflict from different perspectives, while having a good laugh at actors and the little dramas that come to us so naturally."

Emily, a naturally sweet and giving individual, is also enjoying the opportunity to get to know her cast mates. "I find every production is all about the people involved," says Davidson. "Also, the satisfaction of getting a show together is always worth the effort."

In her spare time, Emily can be found knitting and having nightmares about forgetting her lines.

Check out Emily and "Impromptu" at 'An Evening of One Act Plays', August 8th to 10th, at the Mary Oland Theatre. Curtain is at 8 pm, and tickets are $10. Audiences can also check out this production by purchasing a Festival Pass for $30.

Living "Out on the Edge"

This year's Theatre on the Edge Festival is pleased to be collaborating with Port City Rainbow Pride on a new and innovative theatrical piece called "Out on the Edge." Developed by SJTC: Second Stage chair Jay Rawding, the production promises more than just entertainment.

"When I first developed the concept for "Out on the Edge" with Catherine Sidney and the members of the PRIDE week planning committee, I anticipated that several of the stories we received would be emotionally poignant and moving, and, indeed, many of them certainly are," says Rawding. "But I did not anticipate how much I would learn through this process. I'm not talking about learning terminology or aspects that are exclusive to members of the GLBT community - although this has certainly been the case - but in particular the cast and I have learned about the challenges that some of our fellow Saint Johners have had to go through in their lives, and about the challenges that many of them continue to go through."

Rawding, with the assistance of his cast, has taken several true stories from the GLBT community and created "Out on the Edge." Although some scenes have been slightly dramatized, or have had dialogue added or subtracted in order to strengthen the cohesive whole, there are entire sections that have been left intact. "This means that, in some places, the words are more akin to stream of conscious or thought, and may not be as "poetic," but they will certainly lend unique authenticity to the material," says Rawding.

This also represents STJC: Second Stage's first attempt to bring non-fictional material, or a series of locally submitted stories, to the stage.

As a 'straight' man, Rawding was keen to take on the challenge of tackling this project. "I knew that developing and directing "Out on the Edge" would pose a few basic, logistic stumbling blocks for me on a personal level due to my own lack of exposure with members of this demographic (for example, events and activities, such as pride parades, which I'd never seen before)," says Rawding. "However, because of the open lines of communication shared with our sources, including the wonderful organizers of this summer's PRIDE week, and also those who have been brave enough to share their stories, I feel that are prepared to present the subject matter in an informed and engaging way."

The SJTC: Second Stage planning committee jumped on the idea when Rawding pitched it. "We want people to be challenged," says committee member Lisa Flower. "The arts have always provided growth and evolution within cultures all over the world. Where would Paris be without its artists? What would New York be like without Broadway? While we definitely want our audiences to be entertained, we want them to grow with us!"

"Perhaps in larger Canadian cities, the subject matter would not be considered edgy, but for Saint John audiences, this represents an opportunity to share stories and viewpoints that are not often represented in our more traditional, conservative city. In this sense, it is a perfect fit for our fringe-like festival," adds Rawding.

Don't let this scare you however. When it comes right down to it, the overriding theme is not about being gay or straight, but of acceptance.

"They will laugh, they may cry, they might even be challenged in ways they could not have anticipated, but with any luck they will see a little bit of themselves in some of the characters depicted in the play, too," says Rawding, when asked what he hoped our audiences will get out of this piece. "In this sense, the show represents an opportunity to walk a few steps in someone else's shoes. For example, it is one thing for a straight person to watch a member of the GLBT community march past them in a parade, but it is another to get the chance to see and hear personal stories about their lives and therefore get to know people on a more intimate level."

And, in the end, isn't that what matters?

TotE is offering three performances of "Out on the Edge" at the Mary Oland Theatre, Tuesday, August 7th, at 8 pm, Friday, August 10th, at 6:30 pm, and Sunday, August 12th, at 2 pm. Tickets are $10. Tuesday and Friday night performances are included on the Festival Pass which is $30.

Tickets on Sale Now!

Tickets and Festival Passes are now available at the NB Museum lobby.

Bringing Theatre into the 21st Century

Kicking off this year’s TotE festival is a unique blend of the old and the new: Armando & The MP3 Experiment. This event is a two part production. Working in conjunction with the popular improv troupe Improvisation Corporation, TotE is bringing a new form of improv to Saint John audiences.

Part one of the evening is Armando. What is this, you ask? “Armando begins with one suggestion from the audience, which is then interpreted by that night's Armando (a surprise celebrity guest) through a personal and truthful improvised monologue,” says coordinator and Improv Corp head Scott Thomas. “Inspired by that monologue, the cast will perform scenes which, in turn inspire a response from Armando. This propels hilarious interchanges between Armando's monologues and the company's scenes.”

Audiences will get to break and then comes part two, an interactive joy ride for everyone involved.

“The Mp3 Experiment is, as its name suggests, really more of an experiment that a traditional theatre experience,” says Thomas. “The goal of The Mp3 Experiment is to give our audience something to smile about.” The Experiment was created by an American improv troupe called “Improv Anywhere,” who specialize in new and innovative improv projects.

Audience members will be asked to download an MP3 file in advance, transfer it to their portable MP3 players, and bring it with them to the performance space. Audience members should not to listen to the track in advance. At one point, everyone will put on their MP3 players and press play at the same time - then the experiment begins. What’s on the track? Only the participants will know!

“Both of these small projects push the boundaries of what is expected from artists and audiences alike,” says Thomas. “In order for an artistic community to grow and thrive it must be constantly pushing into new territory and re-examining its own relationships in the process. On a more immediate level, both of these shows offer unexpected and unmistakably fun experiences,” he adds with a smile.

Armando / The MP3 Experiment will take place at A Khord bar on Water Street, Sunday, August 5th at 8 pm. Admission is suggested donation. This event is also included on the $30 Festival Pass.

Those interested in taking part, stay tuned for the downloadable track.

"Wingin' It!" is Back!

When asked if last year's participants would be willing to give "Wingin' It!" a go again this year, the responses were enthusiastic. "I'd love to!" says Dee Stubbs.

"Wingin' It! An Evening of Mayhem" was such a success last year organizers couldn't wait to add it to the roster for this year's festival. "The only hard part was deciding who would be in charge; we all want to take part!" jokes planning committee member Lisa Flower.

The event is simple. At 8 pm on Friday, August 10th, participants are put into groups, given a line of dialogue and a prop from the Evening of One Act Plays audience. They then have 24 hours to write a 10 to 15 minute play, rehearse it, gather props, costumes, additional cast and crew if necessary, learn their lines and then perform it for a paying audience Saturday, August 11th at 8 pm!

"It was like one giant 24 hour whirlwind brainstorming session," says Stubbs. "It really challenged our creative abilities and sense of humor."

"I was also really into all the creativity that was flying around while the process was going on you could almost reach out and grab some out of the air," says another participant, Blaine LeRoy.

Everyone involved has said time and again how much fun the 24 hour event was. "We've been asked a number of times in the last year if we were going to be putting it on again," says Flower.

What makes the event so special, you ask? We asked participants what their personal highlights were.

"One of the things I loved about it was the ability to participate in a theatre project without a huge time commitment," confided LeRoy. "I also liked the casualness of it all... the screw ups on stage just added to the fun. Another highlight? "Accidentally christening the Marry Oland stage with a Marry Oland product....hehehe."

Anthony Stuart couldn't make up his mind what his favorite part was. "Working on the fight choreography... Standing on stage wondering how on earth the show was going to go... hearing Al's character voice...."


(Winning Team: Bull Script. Left to Right: Lisa Flower, Anthony Stuart, Bob Vienneau and Al Buck)

"One of the major highlights was the entire creative process," says Andrea Cyr. "We started with an idea, threw it out and continued to develop the new idea and come up with ideas to make it better and funnier!"

Registration forms are now available for those who would like to take part in this fun event.

Not interested in performing? Come see the show! Tickets are $10 each. The event is also included on our $30 Festival Pass.

Breaking Ground

2007 is set to be an exciting year for this year's Theatre on the Edge festival.

"We're so lucky that for TotE, the only criterion is that the productions be interesting!" says SJTC: Second Stage planning committee member, Lisa Flower. The only real guideline the festival follows is that each project be edgy, quirky, or unusual in some way.

With this as their stepping stone, planners have come up with a great line up for this summer.

The festival will be kicking off with "The Armando and The MP3 Project." Working in conjunction with Improvisation Corporation, Saint John's popular improv troupe, the evening will kick off with a new type of improv called "Armando." The second part of the evening is the experiment itself.

"The goal of The Mp3 Experiment is to give our audience something to smile about. Audience members will be asked to download an Mp3 file in advance, transfer it to their portable Mp3 players, and bring it with them to the performance space," says coordinator Scott Thomas. "At one point, everyone will put on their MP3 players and press play at the same time - then the experiment begins."

TotE is also collaborating with Port City Rainbow Pride on a unique and moving theatrical piece called "Out on the Edge." coordinator/director Jay Rawding has been working with the Pride folks to collect true stories about the gay/lesbian/transgender community here is Saint John. Woven together with the help of the authors as well as the actors and actresses performing in the production, these stories will be told to our audiences.

This an exciting project in its own right. A Tuesday and Friday night performance of "Out of the Edge" will be included in the $30 festival pass. A special Sunday performance will act both as a closing for TotE as well as the kick off for Saint John's Pride Week.

Free dramatic readings are also part of this year's schedule. First on the schedule will be Edward Albee's "The Goat: Or who is Sylvia", followed by Neil LeBute's "Fat Pig" the next night. "These are excellent scripts," says Flower, who will be facilitating one of the readings. "The Goat" is one of my favorite scripts, and I can't wait to share it!

Of course, TotE would not be the same without its trademark Evening of One Act Plays. This year, the festival is offering "Driver's Side Airbag," by Steven Schutzman, "The Polite Bandit," by Willie Marcus and "Impromptu," by Tad Mosel. "There is definitely something for everyone in these three," says Flower with a smile.

Theatre on the Edge will be bringing back the popular "Winging It! An Evening of Mayhem" as its grand finale. At the Friday night performance of the one act plays, participants will be put into teams, given an object and a line of dialogue from the audience. The teams then have 24 hours to write, rehearse, gather props and costumes, and they put it on for a paying audience at 8 pm the following night. "I'm absolutely doing it again this year," says Anthony Stuart, a member of last year's winning team "Bull Script. "It was a blast!"


Wingin' It! Team "The Wingnuts"

Registration forms for "Winging It!" will be available online or at the SJTC office, 3rd level Brunswick Square shortly. Tickets and festival passes are soon to be available as well.

"You don't want to miss it!" says Flower.