Fringe News
Fringe News
On The Inside is inspired by Ashley Smith, a young, female inmate from New Brunswick who was convicted of a minor infraction at fifteen. During her time in isolation, Ashley was a constant victim of the abuses and degrading conditions experienced by inmates in Canada’s justice system. This docutheatre piece takes a close look at the traumatic impact of solitary confinement on a young person, while giving voice to our universal hunger for connection. This powerful production also explores the complex emotions, relationships, and perspectives of a nurse, and two guards who struggle to make sense of their own humanity.
The development process for On The Inside has been unique and rewarding for everyone involved. The company has the pleasure of introducing Kelechi Ofoha, as the main character who will be playing the role of Tracey Obi. It was pivotal in the early stages of rehearsal to establish the treatment Ashley endured and how it would have affected her and those working in the prison system. Often the cast and crew stayed after rehearsal to discuss issues such as shame, vulnerability and socio- political issues impacting women of color. Learning about the justice system and its flaws has also been at the forefront of the production's creative process.
This is Michelle Thoms’ first production at The Fringe Festival in which she wrote and is directing the show.
The company includes Kelechi Ofoha, Ryan Christopher Kotack, Harry Lavigne and Marnie Wohl Bennett. Harry has been widely recognized in Community Theatre, earning multiple awards for his acting such as Actor in a Lead Role: Drama presented by ACTCO for his work as John Barrett in Dangerous Obsessions. Ryan is known for his work in shorts such as Mars Is Laughing At Us and is featured on the CW’s Reign.
SandM Productions in association with The Toronto Fringe Festival presents:
On The Inside
Written and directed by Michelle Thoms
Featuring: Kelechi Ofoha, Marnie Wohl Bennett, Harry Lavigne, and Ryan Christopher Kotack
Stage managed by Catherine Gava
Sound design by Clayton Barr
Opens July 7 to July 16 , 2017
Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Ave, Toronto, ON
Performances:
July 7, 2017 at 5:15pm
July 9, 2017 at 3:00pm
July 10, 2017 at 1:00pm
July 12, 2017 at 8:45pm
July 13, 2017 at 6:15pm
July 14, 2017 at 11:15pm
July 16, 2017 at 8:00pm
Please note that there is absolutely no latecomer seating.
Tickets are on sale June 8, 2017
Purchase online: fringetoronto.com
By Phone: 416-966-1062
In Person: At the main box office at the Fringe Club at Scadding Crt. – 707 Dundas Street W.
Social media sites:
Twitter: ontheinside17
Instagram: ontheinside17
Facebook: Fringe Festival: On The Inside
Photo: Kelechi Ofoha.
2017-06-21
Fringe: On the Inside