Belfry Theatre - SPARK Festival 2014 Guide

MARCH 16 – 30, 2014

THE BELFRY THEATRE’S FESTIVAL OF NEW PLAYS AND NEW IDEAS

Festival

SPARK 2014

WWW.BELFRY.BC.CA/SPARK

TERMINUS FIREWALL WHEN IT RAINS LITTLE ILIAD with 40 free events – readings, miniplays and much more

featuring WHEN IT RAINS written and directed by Anthony Black 2b theatre, Halifax

welcome to SPARK If the Belfry produces contemporary work all year long, why do we need the SPARK Festival?

Because there is a lot of extraordinary work being created by independent theatre companies across this country, and we want audiences in Victoria to have the chance to experience some of it.

With When It Rains, 2b theatre from Halifax returns with a stunningly original and theatrical concept for presenting a compelling story of modern relationships.

Terminus is one of the most truly stunning pieces of writing I have encountered in many years. This production from Outside the March inaugurated the Off-Mirvish series at the Royal Alex Theatre in Toronto – following a hugely successful debut at the Summerworks Festival.

Little Iliad brings us two of Canada’s most talented artists in a production that uses modern technology to create a piece of exceptionally intimate theatre.

And Target Theatre, one of Victoria’s best-kept secrets, presents a new work that explores the challenges of aging in our modern world.

Workshops this year are facilitated by award-winning artists James Long, Jamie Nesbitt, and Governor General’s Award nominee Meg Braem. Play readings feature Meg’s GG nominated play Blood and Emil Sher’s adaptation of The Boy in the Moon, Globe & Mail writer Ian Brown’s memoir of life with his severely challenged son. The Boy in the Moon was co-commissioned by the Belfry and the Great Canadian Theatre Company in Ottawa.

Of course, Victoria has its fair share of “outside-theboxers” and some of the most original have created mini plays that will surprise you with their quirkiness and amaze you with the impact they can pack into 10 short minutes.

There are lots of reasons why we need the SPARK Festival. We live on the edge of the country, and we want to stay on the cutting edge, too.

Michael Shamata Artistic Director

tickets 250-385-6815 or www.belfry.bc.ca/tickets ticket prices TERMINUS FIREWALL WHEN IT RAINS $20 LITTLE ILIAD $15

SPARK festival calendar DATE

TIME

EVENT

VENUE

SUNDAY, MARCH 16

2–5 PM

WORKSHOP

STUDIO A

MONDAY, MARCH 17

7 PM

BLOOD: A SCIENTIFIC ROMANCE

LOBBY/ READING

PRICE $ 25 FREE

TUESDAY, MARCH 18

8 PM

TERMINUS (P)

MAINSTAGE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19

7 / 7:20 / 7:40 PM

MINIPLAYS

BELFRY LOBBY

8 PM

TERMINUS (O)

MAINSTAGE

8 PM

FIREWALL (P)

STUDIO A

7 / 7:20 / 7:40 PM

MINIPLAYS

BELFRY LOBBY

8 PM

TERMINUS

MAINSTAGE

$ 20

8 PM

FIREWALL (O)

STUDIO A

$ 20

THURSDAY, MARCH 20

$ 20 $ 20 FREE

7 / 7:20 / 7:40 PM

MINIPLAYS

BELFRY LOBBY

8 PM

TERMINUS

MAINSTAGE

$ 20

8 PM

FIREWALL

STUDIO A

$ 20

2–5 PM

WORKSHOP

INTREPID THEATRE CLUB

7 / 7:20 / 7:40 PM

MINIPLAYS

BELFRY LOBBY

play readings

8 PM

TERMINUS (C)

MAINSTAGE

FREE

8 PM

FIREWALL

STUDIO A

midway party

9:30 PM

MIDWAY PARTY

BELFRY LOBBY

miniplays FREE

FREE

workshops $25 belfry101live $10

FRIDAY, MARCH 21

$ 20 FREE

SATURDAY, MARCH 22

SUNDAY, MARCH 23

MONDAY, MARCH 24 TUESDAY, MARCH 25

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26

SPARK pass (4 vouchers) $65

THURSDAY, MARCH 27

The best way to experience the SPARK Festival.

FRIDAY, MARCH 28

Student and senior discounts available on single tickets.

SATURDAY, MARCH 29

All ticket sales are non-refundable.

GST is not included.

SUNDAY, MARCH 30

FREE

$ 25 FREE $ 20 $ 20 FREE

2 PM

FIREWALL (C)

STUDIO A

$ 20

2–5 PM

WORKSHOP

STUDIO B

$ 25

8 PM

BELFRY101 LIVE

MAINSTAGE

7 PM

THE BOY IN THE MOON

LOBBY/ READING

$ 10 FREE

7 PM

LITTLE ILIAD (P)

STUDIO A

$ 15

8 PM

WHEN IT RAINS (P)

MAINSTAGE

$ 20

8:15 PM

LITTLE ILIAD (P)

STUDIO A

$ 15

7 PM

LITTLE ILIAD (O)

STUDIO A

$ 15

7 / 7:20 / 7:40 PM

MINIPLAYS

BELFRY LOBBY

8 PM

WHEN IT RAINS (O)

MAINSTAGE

$ 20

8:15 PM

LITTLE ILIAD (O)

STUDIO A

$ 15

7 PM

LITTLE ILIAD

STUDIO A

7 / 7:20 / 7:40 PM

MINIPLAYS

BELFRY LOBBY

8 PM

WHEN IT RAINS

MAINSTAGE

$ 20

8:15 PM

LITTLE ILIAD

STUDIO A

$ 15

7 PM

LITTLE ILIAD

STUDIO A

7 / 7:20 / 7:40 PM

MINIPLAYS

BELFRY LOBBY

8 PM

WHEN IT RAINS

MAINSTAGE

$ 20

8:15 PM

LITTLE ILIAD

STUDIO A

$ 15

7 PM

LITTLE ILIAD

STUDIO A

7 / 7:20 / 7:40 PM

MINIPLAYS

BELFRY LOBBY

8 PM

WHEN IT RAINS (C)

MAINSTAGE

$ 20

8:15 PM

LITTLE ILIAD

STUDIO A

$ 15

1PM

LITTLE ILIAD

STUDIO A

$ 15

2:15 PM

LITTLE ILIAD (C)

STUDIO A

$ 15

(P) PREVIEW / (O) OPENING / (C) CLOSING

FREE

$ 15 FREE

$ 15 FREE

$ 15 FREE

MARCH 18 – 22, 2014

MARCH 19 – 23, 2014

TERMINUS

FIREWALL

by Mark O’Rowe directed by Mitchell Cushman Outside the March Theatre Company, Toronto

created under the direction of Geoffrey Ewert Target Theatre, Victoria Belfry Incubator Project

hhhh (out of 4) ... a thrilling mixture of fine acting, writing,

Created and performed by Target Theatre through the Belfry Theatre’s Incubator program, Firewall is a collaboratively devised performance that investigates the role technology plays in keeping seniors connected to friends, family, and society.

With a lyrical fusion of nostalgia and technology, Firewall explores both the advantages and disadvantages of the internet, social media, and virtual connections – not just for older generations, but for everyone. Does being ‘connected’ really save us from becoming isolated?

direction and design. and feckin’ awesome.

Toronto Star

Do. Not. Miss. Original, powerful,

Glenn Sumi, NOW Magazine

miniplays

Imagine a Tarantino film set to poetry. A mother with a heavy conscience races to save a near-stranger from a vicious situation.

A young woman finds comfort, sex and even love in the arms of a disembodied soul. And a dangerous loner prowls the pubs, longing to belt Bette Midler for all to hear. Terminus explores the darkness that insecurity drives us to, and the light which comes from shedding who we’ve been and accepting who we are.

FREE

MARCH 19 – 22, 2014

MARCH 26 – 29, 2014

IMPROV: A SCIENCE FICTION THRILLER In space, sometimes you have to improvise... presented by Paper Street Theatre Co. directed by Dave Morris featuring Dave Morris, Missie Peters, Scott Thompson and Chris Gabel

BAR MITZVAH TAPED With audio equipment old and new, a story is told of a stolen cassette of Brian’s Bar Mitzvah after it was sent to his sister in Africa. created and performed by Brian Linds

TRASH DANCE Which comes first, movement or sound?

In three short pieces, a composer and a choreographer explore the limits of a garbage can. created by Brooke Maxwell (composer) and Jessica Hickman (choreographer) performed by Rebecca Horvey SHE REMAINS Forgotten in the underbelly of the theatre, She fills her home with reminders of her glittering past, and dreams of a final triumphant opening night. presented by Intrepid Theatre created by Heather Lindsay and Janet Munsil, written by Janet Munsil

THE SUCCUBUS (a gothic puppet tale) Hush, little baby, don’t say a word, this 9½ foot Mama’s gonna bring you a big, black bird... presented by Levity Stilt Co. created and performed by Jane Bee, marionette created

by Banejiiwewin 4 x4 Hop in the back seat for a ride you won’t forget. Pacific Christian Secondary School + Matthew Howe / HELL IS A TEENAGE GIRL

by Rehema Ngongo performed by Timur Griffiths + Jessica Smith / O.K. by Aidan Dunsmuir performed by Rehema Ngongo + Braedan Ebanks / PUBLISH by Brad Kettner performed by Julie Benini + Caleb Stewart / ALMOST THERE by Cielene Wood performed

by Brittany Raper + Joel Bergum

play readings MONDAY, MARCH 17, 7pm

MONDAY, MARCH 24, 7pm

BLOOD: A SCIENTIFIC ROMANCE

by Meg Braem

THE BOY IN THE MOON adapted by Emil Sher based on the book by Ian Brown

Governor General’s Award Nominee

“

Blood: A Scientific Romance explores love, in all its strange and sometimes disturbing forms. It’s a strikingly powerful play that pulsates with life and forces us to examine all the painful, beautiful, messy complexities of the human connection.

Bad Tempered Zombie

directed by Britt Small featuring R.J. Peters, Celine Stubel, Treena Stubel and Paul Terry

“

Given the current glut of smug daddy blogs and cutesy mommy memoirs, it’s bracing to read a story about parenthood in which there is something so extraordinary at stake. The Walrus A tender and haunting play that owes its beginnings to a Globe and Mail series written

by Ian Brown, exploring the joy and turmoil of life with his son severely challenged son, Walker. directed by Michael Shamata featuring Kelt Eccleston, Amanda Lisman, Charles Ross and Jan Wood

MARCH 25 – 29, 2014

MARCH 25 – 30, 2014

WHEN IT RAINS

LITTLE ILIAD

written and directed by Anthony Black 2b theatre, Halifax

created and performed by Evan Webber & Frank Cox-O’Connell EW&FCO, Toronto

A treat for the senses that will leave you thinking about the big questions of life ... if that’s not great theatre, I don’t know what is.

The Coast Weekly, Halifax Form and content feed off, and illuminate, one another… National Post

A profound and poignant synthesis of art and war. Irish Theatre Magazine Stimulating... Cleverly written and delightfully played and the technical realization is superb. National Post

What looks like a graphic novel, makes you laugh, and breaks your heart?

When It Rains is by turns blackly funny social satire, heartbreaking drama, and visually arresting theatrical illusion – an award-winning and internationally acclaimed production from one of Canada’s most heralded companies.

midway party

The production is an experiment in theatrical storytelling, with deliberately chosen constraints. A computer projector is used as the only source of light, along with a few chairs and a few props. The actors, framed against a black wall interact with projected environments. Nick Bottomley’s projection design creates a visually striking, dynamic, and theatre-in-low-relief aesthetic.

In Little Iliad, two childhood friends, a writer and a soldier enroute to Afghanistan, reconnect on Skype over a little-known fragment from the epic Trojan War Cycle. The audience listens on headphones to an intimate, disarmingly simple play, where one performer is live and the other is present through technology.

Limited to just 34 seats per show with a pair of headphones for each audience member, this is contemporary performance at its most topical, personal, immediate and intimate. 35 minutes.

workshops

belfry101live

SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2–5pm

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2–5pm

SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 2–5pm

SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 8pm

WRITING FROM YOUR FEET: A Journey From Impulse to Structure

ILLUMINATING IMAGES: Introduction to Projection Design

TAKING THE NEXT STEP: Visioning and Strategic Planning

Led by Governor General’s Award nominated playwright Meg Braem, this workshop concentrates on awakening impulses and emotional honesty using writing exercises, clown, butoh and authentic movement. Participants will learn how to listen both internally and externally and, once filled with unfettered creativity and expression, will work to find the structure that best communicates these ideas into a story.

Projection design is steadily becoming ubiquitous in contemporary theatre and dance. Enter into this exciting world with Jamie Nesbitt, one of Canada’s leading projection designers, as he guides you through past shows, software, and hands-on implementation of projection mapping techniques. This course is designed for all theatre artists who wish to learn more about this innovative form.

Looking for ways to take your theatre company to the next level? Thinking of starting a theatre company? The ability to align a business model with an artistic vision is one of the most essential skills one can develop when starting or operating a theatre company. Your business and your art should not be at odds but instead always finding ways to support each other.

Join James Long, Artistic Director of Theatre Replacement, to explore strategic plans, company (re)visioning and other creative methods for developing a sustainable future for the company you’ve created – or are thinking of creating.

Belfry101Live is an exciting theatre event, collectively created by the remarkable high school students of our Belfry101 programme.

Themes and images from the plays in the Belfry’s current season mix together with the students’ own ideas and concerns, generating an original, surprising, and always entertaining piece of theatre.

Movers and/or writers from all levels are welcome. Please wear comfortable clothing that won’t inhibit movement.

FREE SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 9:30 pm A Midway Inferno – we’re celebrating our 6th Midway Party by turning up the heat. Smoking Djs, red hot miniplays, prizes for dance moves and duds, and much, much more. Do your little turn on the hot coal catwalk – we’ll be burning down the house until 1:00 am.

Connect with us at hello@belfry.bc.ca Facebook,Twitter, tumblr, Vimeo, YouTube, LinkedIn

www.belfry.bc.ca/spark

tickets 250-385-6815 or www.belfry.bc.ca/tickets SPARK pass (4 vouchers) $ 65 The best way to experience the SPARK Festival.

Here’s why: It’s economical You save19% off single tickets.

It’s flexible See four different shows or pick one or two and bring friends.

It’s easy Get your SPARK Pass at 250-385-6815.

www.belfry.bc.ca/spark the SPARK Festival is generously supported by

featuring TERMINUS

by Mark O’Rowe Outside the March Theatre Company, Toronto