Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Toronto Masque Theatre launches its 10th anniversary season with Patrick Garland's classic work for the stage, Brief Lives. A co-production with Soulpepper Theatre Company as part of their 6th Annual Global Cabaret Festival, we transform Garland's traditional, one-man show into an interdisciplinary performance featuring live music and projections.
Brief Lives is based on the writings of John Aubrey, known as the first biographer in the English language. His portraits - of William Shakespeare, Sir Walter Raleigh and Thomas Hobbes, among others - are in turn witty and slanderous, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of some of the most well-known people in the history of London. Set in 1697, in Aubrey's rundown lodgings, it is as much a portrait of the man - a scholar, antiquarian and close observer of those around him - as it is of the stories he tells. The role of Aubrey will be played by acclaimed actor William Webster, founding member and Resident Artist at Soulpepper.
Live music will be woven into the production and feature traditional ballads and popular music from the era. The rustic, nostalgic music will act as a counterpoint to the stories that Aubrey tells: the sounds that pour through his brain as he remembers and reminisces.
The production will feature musicians Katherine Hill, soprano and viola da gamba, Terry McKenna, lute and guitar and Larry Beckwith, leading from the violin. Set design by Ken MacKenzie and lighting design by Gabriel Cropley. Directed by Derek Boyes.
The Global Festival Cabaret will feature the best in music, dance, and theatrical cabaret all under one roof. The entire Young Centre will be transformed into a Cabaret venue with over 150 of Canada’s leading performing artists staging over 15 original one-hour songbooks and cabarets.
Brief Lives: stories and songs of old London
"Suddenly, in our hands, to touch and feel, is the fabric of an age."
The New York Times on the original production of Brief Lives.
What
Brief Lives: Stories and songs of old London. A co-production between Toronto Masque Theatre and Soulpepper Theatre Company of Patrick Garland's play.
When
Fri 25 October 2013, 8:15 pm*; Sat 26 Oct 2013, 3:15 pm* & 8:15 pm; Sun 27 Oct 2013, 3:15 pm* & 8:15 pm. A pre-show chat with Artistic Director Larry Beckwith and guests will be held 30 minutes before performances marked with an *.
Where
Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane in the Distillery District.
How
Tickets $22 in advance, $25 on the day of. Available from the Soulpepper through www.globalcabaret.ca www.globalcabaret.ca or via phone 416.866.8666 or as part of Toronto Masque Theatre's subscription series.
Who
For more information on Toronto Masque Theatre please go to our website.
Photo: William Webster and Katherine Hill. ©2013 Toronto Masque Theatre.
2013-09-25
Toronto: Toronto Masque Theatre and Soulpepper present “Brief Lives” October 25-27