Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Tragedy and time are the ties that bind in Keeper Fine Wine Theatre, founded by Toronto artist Tanisha Taitt, has announced its sophomore production. Written by Taitt and directed by Ayesha Mansur, Keeper will run from August 25th to 31st at Artscape Youngplace.
The play tells the story of two women – one in her early 20s, the other sixteen years older – who are bonded and blistered by death, doubt and distance. The women are played by the playwright and actor Clare Blackwood, whom Taitt has directed twice and wanted to work with since. “Clare knocked me out on both occasions. It was a joy to direct her, but I knew after the second time that what I wanted was to be her acting partner.”
Taitt began playwriting in 2011 and has written five plays, two of which – Violent Be Violet and Admissions – have seen the public stage. Keeper, she says, began as “a distraction”. Having sat down to begin the book for a musical she was composing, she found her mind drifting elsewhere. “I heard two women speaking to each other,” Taitt recalls, “women who had nothing to do with what I was writing. They were demanding my attention, so I gave in. Twelve days later, I had this play.”
Actor/choreographer/writer Ayesha Mansur, a former dancer and graduate of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New York City, makes her theatrical directorial debut with Keeper. Taitt says that although Mansur was her first choice to direct, she almost didn't ask her.
“I instantly thought of Ayesha because I worked with her as a choreographer last year, and she has a clear, lovely understanding of narrative. Dancers and choreographers are some of the greatest storytellers and having that sensibility in a director intrigued me. But I knew that she hadn't been one yet and I thought she'd turn it down. So I approached two people, both of whom had directed before. When neither of them could do it, I asked myself “Why are you making this complicated? The Universe already told you it's Ayesha – just call her. I did, and she said yes immediately.”
“There is so much movement under the surface of this play, under the exterior of these characters”, explains Mansur. “Tanisha always manages to create such nuanced and complex relationships, effortlessly evoking empathy within those who witness the work. I jumped at the opportunity to direct Keeper, diving into the emotions and drivers of these characters, their triggers, their desires, Fleshing them out, and asking the questions. I look forward to bringing this play to life with these two wonderful actors, and I look forward to you experiencing it for yourself. It's a reality that so many of us relate to, and struggle with – a little bit cat-‐and-‐mouse, and a little bit long lost love.”
KEEPER
Written by Tanisha Taitt.
Directed by Ayesha Mansur.
Featuring Clare Blackwood & Tanisha Taitt.
Lighting Design & Stage Management by Carolyn Brennan.
Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for students & arts workers.
Available now at eventbrite.com.
Photo: Tanisha Taitt. ©2012.
2015-08-05
Toronto: Fine Wine Theatre presents "Keeper" by Tanisha Taitt August 25-21