Back to Basics

When Theatre on the Edge was established in August 2003, it was just an evening of one act plays. Just three plays that would set the stage for what would become a full week event. "The Author's Voice" by Richard Greenberg was directed by this year's festival facilitator John Mazerolle, "Pants" by local author and photographer Dan Culberson is still called a favorite, and "The Topic was Frisbees Not UFOs" was penned by one of this year's directors Doug Fillmore.


From left to right: Andrea 'Dre' Arbour, Alex Goldrich and John Mazerolle in "The "Author's Voice", August 2003

Now considered the staple of TotE, organized are pleased to be offering "An Evening of One Act Plays" to our audiences again.

This year's line up promises to be as interesting as it is entertaining.

"Driver's Side Airbag," by Steven Schutzman, directed by Doug Fillmore features Scott Thomas. Thomas, co-host of the Rogers show "First Local" and front man of 'Improvisation Corporation,' is excited to be involved. "I think there should always be an element of risk and danger in every part you play, says Thomas.”The risk of failure does make you work very hard. DSA challenges perceptions and that can be a good thing - for actors and audiences."

"Driver's Side Airbag," is a thrilling story about a man who is taking the journey of a lifetime.

"I think this will be a good match for people looking to experience the unexpected," says Thomas. "We hope to move the show as fast as the character in the piece drives, we hope to maintain that feeling of hurtling down a dark highway with little light and no brakes. We are all waiting for the wreck."

"The Polite Bandit," by Willie Marcus is the second script in the line up. It's about, as the name says, a bandit who is polite. "Sometimes things don't go smooth," says planning committee member Lisa Flower. "In this case, it's a robbery."

While the script has been called quirky and fun, it also asks the audience to sit back and think. It challenges one to look at themselves. Do you need to change? Can you change? Do you want to?

Last, but certainly not least, we have "Impromptu," by Tad Mosel. "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," explains director Maryanne (Mare) Lewell.

"I think it's a great fit for Theatre on the Edge in the way it breaks down the fourth wall between the play and the audience," says Lewell. "I think audiences will enjoy some of the comedy - but to me it's the growing self-awareness of the characters as "actors" that is key to the show, and their subsequent acceptance or refusal of that self-awareness. Just like people."

"An Evening of One Act Plays" runs August 8 to 10 at the Mary Oland Theatre. Curtain is at 8 pm, tickets are $10. This is also included in the $30 festival pass.