Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Buddies continues its 2018-19 season with the long-awaited return of Tawiah Ben M’Carthy’s Obaaberima after its successful premiere in 2012. Winner of three Dora Awards (Outstanding Production, Outstanding Sound Design/Composition, and Outstanding Lighting Design), this unique coming-of-age tale has played on stages across the country, garnering rave reviews from coast to coast. In this anniversary season, Buddies brings back the first show to have been developed through the Buddies residency program, which has gone on to produce eight mainstage shows including The Gay Heritage Project, Black Boys, and the upcoming Shove it Down My Throat.
Imprisoned in Canada for committing a violent crime, a young man from Ghana tells his cellmates a story on the eve of his release. While there is risk in sharing his tale, he must tell it to be truly free. Through storytelling, dance, and live music, Obaaberima chronicles a young African-Canadian’s journey across continents, genders, races, and sexualities.
Obaaberima features a “tour de force” performance by writer/performer Tawiah Ben M’Carthy (Black Boys, Maanoma (Blue Bird)) under the direction of Buddies artistic director Evalyn Parry (The Youth/Elders Project, Graceful Rebellions) and accompanied by the live music of award-winning multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer Kobèna Aquaa-Harrison. This powerhouse creative team is rounded out by set and costume designer Camellia Koo (20th of November, Tom at the Farm, 2018 Siminovitch Prize finalist) and lighting designer Michelle Ramsay (Gertrude and Alice, The Magic Hour).
ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES
Performance in ASL - A deaf-interpreted performance in ASL will be held on Saturday, December 1st at 8PM. d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons can access $10 tickets in advance using the code “ASL10” at checkout. Pay-what-you-can tickets will also be available at the door.
Relaxed performance – A relaxed performance will be held on Sunday, December 2nd at 2:30PM. Patrons can book $10 tickets in advance using the code “RP10.”
A Buddies in Bad Times Theatre production
Obaaberima
written + performed by Tawiah Ben M’Carthy
directed by Evalyn Parry
live music by Kobèna Aquaa-Harrison
set + costumes by Camellia Koo
lighting by Michelle Ramsay
stage management Laura Baxter
Previews: November 27 + 28
Opening Night: November 29th
Closing Performance: December 9th
Runs: Tues-Sat 8pm, Sun 2:30pm
Tickets: PWYC - $40
Box Office 416-975-8555 or buddiesinbadtimes.com
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander Street, Toronto ON
Photo: Tawiah M’Carthy. ©2018 Tanja-Tiziana.
2018-11-10
Toronto: The award-winning "Obaaberima" returns to Buddies in Bad Times Theatre November 27-December 9