Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Toronto area theatre-lovers who were unable to get a ticket to the sold-out run at the Stratford Festival have got another chance. Tickets are now on sale at the Young Centre Box Office. The run begins Tues April 9. To order by telephone: 416-866-8666 / Online: www.youngcentre.ca / See it first: Previews just $20.
The War of 1812 will be waged by the brave-hearted VideoCab troops, still fragrant from their heroic conquest of Stratford in 2012. At the invitation of Albert Schultz and Leslie Lester, the Young Centre for the Performing Arts will be our theatre of war. The War of 1812 begins its Toronto engagement on Tuesday April 9 - two hundred years to the month since the original drama inflamed the town of York.
In welcoming VideoCabaret to the Young Centre, Soulpepper's Albert Schultz states: "There are very few artists in the world that manage to be seminal and groundbreaking at once ... in Toronto (and perhaps alone in Ontario) it is Michael Hollingsworth and Deanne Taylor's VideoCabaret ... for four decades these masterly renegades have been pushing down walls at the same time that they have been constructing a profoundly sound and unique artistic aesthetic."
Staged in VideoCabaret’s signature ‘black-box’ style, The War of 1812 challenges designers and performers to conjure up dozens of characters in tiny shards of light, with Dervish level choreography. Eight actors portray more than fifty-five characters, including Sir Isaac Brock, Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, John Strachan, Governor General Prevost, Laura Secord, President Madison, Dolly Madison and General Winfield Scott.
The War of 1812 is a newly devised chapter in Michael Hollingsworth’s epic 21-part play-cycle, The History of the Village of the Small Huts, which satirizes and dramatizes Canada’s history from Chief Donnacona and Jacques Cartier through to recent times – stories that capture Canadian society high and low, seized by powerful ideas and passions. In each play, the Acting Ensemble portrays dozens of characters, the legends and losers who made this country what it is. Michael's wildly original scripts are matched by the ensemble's extraordinary staging technique and visual style. The History Plays premiered 1985-99, delighting audiences with spectacle and substance. VideoCabaret is now re-inventing the Repertoire, and winning new audiences and honours for these classic plays.
Praise for The War of 1812:
"a cross between Spitting Image and the theatre of Bertolt Brecht ... a rollicking good ride."
-American Conservative
"A knockout ... The writing (by Michael Hollingsworth) is pungent, the staging (also by Hollingsworth) is brilliant, the set and lighting (Andy Moro) are superbly precise and economic, the costumes (Astrid Janson) are even more superbly garish."
-National Post
" a rollicking, radical, rambunctious retelling of the history of Canada
... a stunning achievement ... I've seen nothing quite like [their approach]
in many years of theatre-going ... do yourself a favour, old chum.
Come to the VideoCabaret."
-Toronto Star
“If I were to recommend one must-see production at this year's 60th season of the Stratford Festival, it would be VideoCabaret's The War of 1812.”
-Sarah B. Hood
“As I was sitting in the audience on Sunday, enjoying the theatrical parade before me, the thought occurred that The Bard would approve.” -The Guelph Mercury
THE WAR OF 1812
The History of the Village of the Small Huts, 1812-1815
Presented by VideoCabaret in association with the Young Centre for the Performing Arts
When America declares war on Britain and her empire, a Native confederation led by the Shawnee chief Tecumseh defends its own territory by joining in the defence of Canada.
After three years of bloodshed on land and lake, the Yankees have burned York,
the Yorkees have burned Washington, and everyone has burned the Natives.
Written and Directed by Michael Hollingsworth
Presented by VideoCabaret in association with the Young Centre for the Performing Arts
Starring Paul Braunstein, Aurora Browne, Richard Alan Campbell, Richard Clarkin
Mac Fyfe, Derek Garza, Jacob James, Linda Prystawska
Associate Director Deanne Taylor, Set and Lighting Andy Moro
Costume Design Astrid Janson, Music and Sound Design Brent Snyder
Sound Design and Operator Jake Blackwood, Ass't Costume Design Melanie McNeill
Props Brad Harley, Wigs Alice Norton, Stage Manager Andrew Dollar
Ass't Stage Manager Laurie Merredew, Production Assistant Adam Barrett
Producers Jim LeFrancois, Deanne Taylor
Begins april 9 for a limited run at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts.
Shows Tues-Sat at 7:30pm and Tues, Thurs & Sat at 1:30pm. Tickets $20-$50*
Box Office 416-866-8666 / www.youngcentre.ca / www.videocab.com
*Plus service charges. Ticket prices
2013-03-28
Toronto: “The War of 1812” returns to Toronto beginning April 9