SNAFU dance brings a lively and energetic late-night offering to this year’s undercurrents festival with Snack Music, a highly physical show with heavy elements of improv comedy and object theatre: imagine telling an audience an embarrassing story about yourself and then watching three purple jumpsuit-clad actors retell it using food props and synthesizer sound effects. … Continue reading “Snack Music” Satisfies The Creative Taste Buds
“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
“Little Boxes” Has Giant Stage Presence
Ian: I have to say my first night at undercurrents 2018 really blew me away, with two mainstage shows that examine major issues bubbling under the surface of Canadian society and a workshop production that’s already taking its unusual premise in fun directions. The first show of the night was Little Boxes, an exploration of … Continue reading “Little Boxes” Has Giant Stage Presence
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” Sounds Like a Good Idea
*warning: this review contains spoilers* With Tomorrow’s Child, Calgary’s Ghost River Theatre hits on an excellent concept with similarly excellent technical expertise, although some flaws in the dramaturgy prevent this immersive sensory experience from achieving its true potential. Tomorrow’s Child is a dramatization of Ray Bradbury’s short story “Tomorrow Child”, but more importantly it is … Continue reading “Tomorrow’s Child” Sounds Like a Good Idea
“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.
But Wait, There’s More! 2 New Shows to Catch at undercurrents this Week
The first week of undercurrents this year has been dominated by solo performances, but as Brotherhood and Vovk move on to new adventures they make room for two more ensemble shows that explore different types of deprivation – one in which the audience cannot see, and one in which the performers do not speak. Tomorrow’s … Continue reading But Wait, There’s More! 2 New Shows to Catch at undercurrents this Week
“Un-Countried” Finds Timely Relevance in History
When Stéphanie Turple first wrote Un-Countried she, like many of us, was still laughing off the idea of a Donald Trump presidency. Now, making its world premiere at the 2017 undercurrents Theatre Festival, Theatre 4.669’s production must contend with the fact that, given current political realities, the issues and messages within the piece now carry … Continue reading “Un-Countried” Finds Timely Relevance in History
“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 