Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Founded in 2011, Theatre of the Beat has quickly gained a reputation for being “controversial and thought-provoking, and they wouldn't have it any other way” (CITY TV, Toronto). Their unique brand of social justice dramas has tackled themes of civil disobedience, incarceration, militarization, and now -
coming somewhat as a surprise - the company is producing an original, family friendly, social justice folk musical.
Written by Johnny Wideman, “an emerging talent” (CBC, Manitoba), Selah's Song is fun for the whole family. It's a heartwarming musical about a young peasant girl whose courage inspires a village, and whose music becomes an anthem for peace. With an original soundtrack by singer-songwriter Bryan
Moyer Suderman, alongside accompaniment from a double bass, banjo, and mandolin, it'll be sure to get your toes tapping and your brain working.
The story is set in a medieval village that has long been devastated by war, losing many men to a mandatory conscription. Selah, a young peasant girl, is happy to hear the law is over, and that her father is returning home. However, the village's celebrations are short lived, when King Hocken Grabber issues a harsh War Tax instead.
The King, attempting to maintain support for the war effort, plays catchy propaganda songs throughout the village which inspire Selah to share her own songs. But, now having competition in the community, a jealous Hocken Grabber outlaws music, imprisoning anyone caught singing.
This creates a chain reaction of dissent in the village and, before she even realizes it, Selah is heralded as a hero; her songs become the backbone of a peaceful resistance.
“We're obviously still dealing with big issues,” says Artistic Director and writer, Johnny Wideman. “It's just that there's a spoonful of sugar with the medicine this time. We're looking at rules: what happens when rules aren't fair, and when it is right to break the rules. It's a good topic that children and adults often overlook.”
The production is directed by Rebecca Steiner and is produced in partnership with Stouffville's, Nineteen on the Park theatre. You can catch the show on January 9-10 at 7:30pm and January 11 at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are available online http://nineteenonthepark.com/selahs-song/ or at the box office (905) 640-2322. For more information on the company, visit www.theatreofthebeat.com.
Photo: Ryan Cunningham. ©2012 Marc J. Chalifoux.
2014-01-07
Stouffville: Theatre of the Beat presents "Selah's Song" January 9-10