Fringe News
Fringe News
Part lecture, part meditation, and part threat, The Only Good Indian takes a shockingly raw look at where our similarities begin and where they end. Each night one of three performers straps themselves into an extreme situation – forcing the audience to ask – what would you die for?
After a recent history of artistic partnerships, bringing you projects such as last year’s SummerWorks hits Daughter (Outstanding Production, New Play, Direction, & Performance -NOW Magazine) & Situational Anarchy (Honourable Mention for the SummerWorks Prize for Production), as well as 2015’s The Emancipation of Ms. Lovely (SummerWorks Spotlight Award for Performance), The Only Good Indian marks Pandemic Theatre’s Solo SummerWorks Debut.
The Only Good Indian is designed for a different performer each night: half pre-written lecture and half created by the artist who takes the stage. Through a system of guided questions, these artists delve deep into their own lived experience to present a radical, vulnerable, and disturbing tapestry of occupation, resistance, and what “Indianhood” can mean.
This production brings together the craft of Governor General’s Award Nominees Donna-Michelle St. Bernard (2011, 2016) and Tom Arthur Davis (2015), with Jivesh Parasram (Recipient of the 2017 Ken McDougall Award).
Each individual performance (30-40 minutes) will be followed by a Long Table* discussion, giving space for the audience to enter into conversation with both the performer and each other, empowering them to discuss their own experiences with the show’s themes. (Total time span of event is 75 minutes)
*About Long Table Format
The Long Table is a dinner party structured by etiquette, where conversation is the only course. It combines theatricality and models for public engagement. The components are simple: a long table; chairs; a paper tablecloth; and pens with which to make comments. There are a few, but simple rules:
- This is a performance of a dinner party conversation
- Anyone seated at the table is a guest performer
- Anything is on the menu
- Talk is the only course
- No hostess will assist you
- It is a democracy
- To participate simply take an empty seat at the table
- If the table is full you can request a seat
- If you leave the table you can come back again and again
- Feel free to write your comments on the tablecloth
- There can be silence
- There might be awkwardness
- There could always be laughter
- There is an end but no conclusion
About Pandemic Theatre
Founded in 2009, Pandemic Theatre is a Toronto-based theatre company mandated to create, develop, and produce work from critical and underrepresented perspectives that engage social and political themes.
We strive to create spaces where political discourse is not only possible, but also encouraged. Our work is to challenge audiences, artists, and communities to engage and question the role of aesthetics in ideology. To do so ethically, critically, and in the spirit of solidarity.
Another world is possible.
Official Synopsis
Part lecture, part meditation, and part threat, The Only Good Indian takes a shockingly raw look at where our similarities begin and where they end. Each night one of three performers strap themselves into an extreme situation – forcing the audience to ask – what would you die for?
Creative Team
Created & Performed by: Jivesh Parasram, Tom Arthur Davis & Donna-Michelle St. Bernard
Project Design: Jivesh Parasram
Stage Manager: Sabah Haque
Run time: 30-40 mins, followed by Long Table Discussion
Venue: Factory Theatre Studio – 125 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON
Performances
Friday, August 4th 8:30pm - 9:45pm (Performer: Parasram)
Sunday, August 6th 12:15pm - 1:30pm (Performer: St. Bernard)
Wednesday, August 9th 5:00pm - 6:15pm (Performer: Davis)
Thursday, August 10th 5:15pm - 6:30pm (Performer: Parasram)
Friday, August 11th 8:45pm - 10:00pm (Performer: St. Bernard)
Saturday, August 12th 9:00pm - 10:15pm (Performer: Davis)
Sunday, August 13th 3:30pm - 4:45pm (Performer: TBA)
Ticket Information
Pay What You Decide: $15, $25, $35
Tickets are available online at: www.summerworks.ca
Or at boxoffice@summerworks.ca
Or by phone: 416 -628-8216
Or at www.pandemictheatre.ca
Social Media
Website: www.pandemictheatre.ca
Facebook: /pandemictheatre
Twitter: @pandemictheatre
Hashtags: #OGI17, #SW17
Photo: Jiv Parasram and Tom Arthur Davis.
2017-07-19
SummerWorks: The Only Good Indian