Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Young People’s Theatre (formerly Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People) is proud to present Would You Say the Name of This Play?*, a gripping, true, sometimes funny story for teens that takes an unflinching look at issues of homophobia and racism. Written and performed by award-winning Vancouverite Berend McKenzie, the play will be presented in The Studio, November 21 to December 3.
In a series of stories based on his life, Berend McKenzie presents his one-man show about Buddy, a boy growing up both black and gay, who is the target of taunts and marginalization. Buddy fluctuates between being an outcast, a rebel, a dropout and a survivor. Ultimately, he finds the power to face down the two very different, wounding words that affected his life. Would you say the name of his play, *nggrfg?
Berend McKenzie comments: “They’re words that [young people] hear all the time, but they’re told “Don’t say them.” Well … I know from myself as a child, if you told me not to do or say something, and didn’t give me any sort of reasoning behind that, I would do it all the time, just because you told me not to ... I had to come to terms with how I felt about the words… What I’ve realized is that… it’s not the words themselves that are the negative—it’s the people and the reasons why the words are being used and in what context.”
“Playful and touching. McKenzie is an ebullient performer, it left this crusty old critic in tears, nggrfg is for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.” - Georgia Straight
Co-directed by Allen MacInnis and Tanisha Taitt, starring Berend McKenzie with Lighting Design by Michael Kruse, Sound Design by Gavin Fearon and Stage Management by Kai-Yeuh Chen.
WOULD YOU SAY THE NAME OF THIS PLAY?
Written by Berend McKenzie
STUDIO | NOV. 21 TO DEC. 3, 2011
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 14 & UP
Advisory: strong language & mature subject matter
Media Opening: Wednesday, November 23 at 10:30 AM and 1:15PM
Performances: Nov. 24 @ 10:30 AM & 1:15 PM. | Nov. 25 @ 10:30 AM & 7 PM | Nov. 28, 29, 30 & Dec. 1 @ 10:30 AM & 1:15 PM | Dec. 2 @ 10:30 AM | Dec. 3 @ 2 PM
Young People’s Theatre | 165 Front Street East, Toronto
Tickets: $15-$20 Box Office: 416.862.2222 | Online: youngpeoplestheatre.ca
For more information visit youngpeoplestheatre.ca
2011-11-02
Toronto: Young People’s Theatre presents “Would You Say the Name of This Play?” November 21-December 3