New Ottawa Critics Arts News, Community Voices, Critics on Campus, Dance Theatre, DarkDayMonday, Independent/Local Theatre, Previews

Dark Day Monday: On Creating Accessible Arts Spaces

Written by Tamara LaPlante In her 2017 book, “Theatre & Disability,” Petra Kuppers begins by recounting the moment she says goodbye to her wheelchair in the foyer of a theatre, before making her way to her seat. To secure wheelchair seating, Kuppers would’ve had to book her ticket far in advance, but she acknowledges her … Continue reading Dark Day Monday: On Creating Accessible Arts Spaces

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New Ottawa Critics Critics on Campus, Independent/Local Theatre

“Minding Frankie” Combats the Cold Weather by Warming Hearts

by Sarah Haley Maeve Binchy, the world renown Irish author, is well known for her ability to translate ordinary lives on to the page to reveal the true, extraordinary nature of each life. On stage, Minding Frankie, adapted by Shay Linehan, is no different. Under the direction of John P. Kelly, SevenThirty’s production remains faithful … Continue reading “Minding Frankie” Combats the Cold Weather by Warming Hearts

New Ottawa Critics Critics on Campus, Independent/Local Theatre

“Lungs” is an Honest Look at Humanity and the Human Condition

by Sarah Haley Tucked away in the library of the Arts Court, a 2018 Fringe favourite, Lungs, returns. Written by British Playwright Duncan Macmillan, Lungs tells the story of a couple discussing childbirth and its personal and ethical ramifications. Equally funny and heart-wrenching, this Cart Before the Horse remount is honest and emotional. Under the … Continue reading “Lungs” is an Honest Look at Humanity and the Human Condition

New Ottawa Critics Critics on Campus, Independent/Local Theatre

“Counting Aloud” Orchestrates Feelings of Acceptance and Belonging Through Music and Storytelling

by Sarah Haley In Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, the Duke Orsino once said, “If music be the food of love, play on.” Persephone Production’s Counting Aloud endeavors to understand that relationship between music and love. Written and performed by Gabrielle Soskin and directed by Christopher Moore, Counting Aloud is an autobiographical love story between a … Continue reading “Counting Aloud” Orchestrates Feelings of Acceptance and Belonging Through Music and Storytelling

Brie McFarlane Brie McFarlane, Fringe 2018, Independent/Local Theatre

Cart Before the Horse Brings the Intensity with “Lungs”

Duncan MacMillan’s Lungs is a rather interesting examination of the inner workings of the relationship between two young individuals and poses the question: am I a good enough person to be bringing a child into this world? It’s a blistering text that’s arguably become even more relevant now than when it originally premiered in 2011 … Continue reading Cart Before the Horse Brings the Intensity with “Lungs”

Brie McFarlane Brie McFarlane, Fringe 2018, Independent/Local Theatre, Uncategorized

“Rachel and Zoe” is a Guilty Pleasure at the Ottawa Fringe

Rachel and Zoe: Uncorked and Uncensored isn’t going to be for everyone. Written and performed by irl bffs Hannah Gibson-Fraser and Jodi Morden, this show is a fun piece of fluff that’s definitely better enjoyed alongside some good friends and even better wine. It tackles such classic topics of sex, love, and failed relationships and … Continue reading “Rachel and Zoe” is a Guilty Pleasure at the Ottawa Fringe

Brie McFarlane Brie McFarlane, Fringe 2018, Independent/Local Theatre

“Drawn That Way” is a Fun-Filled Hour of Musical Shenanigans

Drawn That Way is billed as being an open-mic style event with showcases from different guests each performance and centres around the musical stylings of performer and drag queen Bebe Queen and his accompanists, Kenny Hayes and Andrea MacWilliams. Taking inspiration from their real-life experiences with trying to come to terms with their identity as … Continue reading “Drawn That Way” is a Fun-Filled Hour of Musical Shenanigans

Brie McFarlane Brie McFarlane, Fringe 2018, Independent/Local Theatre, Uncategorized

“A Girl in the Fridge” is a Small Tasting of Dead Unicorn Ink’s Full Potential

The Ottawa Fringe Festival just wouldn’t feel like itself without an annual offering from local troupe Dead Unicorn Ink(DUI). Going on 7 years now with their first showing at the 2011 Fringe Festival where Playing Dead, a zombie puppet show, to the stage and captured audiences’ hearts and, since then, have been regularly producing new … Continue reading “A Girl in the Fridge” is a Small Tasting of Dead Unicorn Ink’s Full Potential