If you were one of the lucky ones to nab tickets to the one-night-only performance of Adam Lazarus’ Daughter at this year’s undercurrents, then you will no doubt understand what I mean when I say that it is almost quite literally one of the worst shows you will ever sit through. Don’t get me wrong, … Continue reading Throwback Thursday: Reflections on “Daughter”
“Forstner & Fillister” Level with Masculinity
Every year undercurrents usually brings back a few artists that have been involved with the festival before, but with Forstner & Fillister comes the only chance this year to see a show that has previously appeared as a work in development in the same setting. Everything you love about the previous undercurrents or even the … Continue reading “Forstner & Fillister” Level with Masculinity
“The Twilight Parade”: Looks Cool, but Comes On a Little Strong
IAN: STO Union’s The Twilight Parade is a genuinely impressive undertaking: a 70-minute hand-animated film entirely put together by local community members, while 8 voice actors provide live voiceover. This family-friendly (for the most part) show follows a young fairy-like creature and the residents of a small town as they address the lack of love … Continue reading “The Twilight Parade”: Looks Cool, but Comes On a Little Strong
Luna Allison Talks “Shit”
So this year the work-in-progress show at undercurrents is called The Shit Show, a 25-minute musing on our cultural fascination with and refutation of feces. Since this is a work-in-progress I can’t really evaluate this as a production unto itself, but I will speak to the concept and what steps creator/performer Luna Allison has taken … Continue reading Luna Allison Talks “Shit”
“Indigenous Walks” Sets a New Pace for Canadian Art History
Admittedly I was not super looking forward to a walking tour in this frigid hell we call the Capital City; however, Indigenous Walks marks an almost necessary experience for any individual in Ottawa- local or otherwise. Taking us around the Byward Market, our guide (re)introduced us to many Indigenous artworks seemingly hidden in the area … Continue reading “Indigenous Walks” Sets a New Pace for Canadian Art History
“The Pipeline Project” Strikes Gold
Ian: The Pipeline Project has a lot going for it: it’s well-written and -performed, it deals with issues that directly affect Canadians, and with Kevin Loring’s involvement it also serves as something of a teaser for the upcoming Indigenous Theatre stream at the National Arts Centre. What strikes me the most about this production, however, … Continue reading “The Pipeline Project” Strikes Gold
Undercurrents 2018 Launch: Undercurrents Gets Politcal
The undercurrents theatre festival has made a name for itself by trying to showcase some of this country’s boldest theatre performances here in the Capital city. Last year saw the exhilarating stage presence of Sébastien Heins and the bass-thumping Brotherhood: the Hip Hopera, not to mention the audio-adventure that was Ghost River Theatre’s Tomorrow’s Child. … Continue reading Undercurrents 2018 Launch: Undercurrents Gets Politcal
“Tomorrow’s Child” has room for growth.
****This review may contain spoilers***** The final show to premier at undercurrents this year is from Ghost River Theatre in Calgary, and it is unlike anything else at the festival. The company has specifically requested that I not reveal some key details about the show, and I will attempt to honour that request; I am … Continue reading “Tomorrow’s Child” has room for growth.
Real Life Meets Art in Turple’s “Un-Countried”
Theatre 4.669’s Un-Countried, a tale of two East German border guards working a fateful shift and its aftermath, has a serendipitous immediacy in spite of its somewhat conservative dramatic style. Un-Countried, written by Stéphanie Turple, starts off in a cramped East German border office, with two contrasting personalities working the checkpoint: a young and idealistic recruit on … Continue reading Real Life Meets Art in Turple’s “Un-Countried”
“Vovk” is Packed with ‘Fang’tastic Potential
One of my favourite parts about undercurrents are the Late Night pay-what-you-can performances. This year audiences who stick around the Arts Court Studio lobby will be treated to Vovk, running until February 11, and Faster than the Speed of Dating, starting February 16th, and the intimacy and cabaret-feeling of the Late Night shows add a … Continue reading “Vovk” is Packed with ‘Fang’tastic Potential
The New Ottawa Critics 