Theatre NorthWest’s (TNW) approach to providing entertainment during a global pandemic has proven to be effective for Prince Georgians in need of an escape.
Following the success of several sold out shows, the organization is bringing together a new stint of stage-readings that is sure to give guests more than their money’s worth, while supporting the industry and local artists in their craft.
TNW unveiled seven new shows over two nights this weekend, including one larger reading on Friday (Nov. 13) and six ‘shorts’ to take the stage on Saturday (Nov. 14).
Executive Director Marnie Hamagami has been excited about the opportunity to host stage-readings and give playwrights an avenue in the era of COVID-19.
“This pandemic is here. It's not going anywhere and we have to learn how to create art in a new way. We have to learn how to go through the rehearsal process in a new way whereas before, we could just throw everything in a big pile on the floor and say, ‘Give us this play.’ Well, we can’t do that anymore.”
The six ‘shorts’ is in conjunction with the Nechako Community Theatrics Society (NCTS), bringing together five playwrights for one evening.
Hamagami says it was imperative for local theatre to prove that, despite the pandemic’s negative impacts on society, Prince George can still produce talent in more ways outside the norm.
“The purpose of this is to allow the playwright to see where the text works, what needs to be finessed a little bit, where the actions work, maybe if a punch line or if it really lands, it really allows the playwright to see their piece come to life,” she explained.
“So this is an integral part of the whole playwriting, new-work development piece and something that Theatre NorthWest in the medium- to long-term interested in facilitating in our community in helping our local artists and local playwrights enter the national conversation around playwriting.”
ON A FIRST NAME BASIS
Director Bradley Charles, following his work with the curling tale of Hurry Hard!, will bring to life the story of two people isolated from the world and connecting on an emotional and personal level.
On a First Name Basis is originally written by Norm Foster and Charles explains the idea to present the play, which TNW hopes to turn into a full-scale production when COVID-19 settles down, came together seamlessly.
He hopes the audience can relate to the characters’ predicaments.
“I think everyone in the world can really relate to that right now,” he said when asked by PrinceGeorgeMatters, noting rehearsals have taken place on Zoom, adding to the strangeness of adapting to the unprecedented times.
“It’s about them slowly opening up and sharing secrets with each other and connecting. For me, in the process of creating this, that has been very impactful and I think will do the same for the audience.”
The love story, which is set to be mixed in with mystery and comedy, is slated for Friday at 7 p.m.
STRANGE ENCOUNTERS OF THE LOCAL MIND
The next day will bring six shorter scripts together in a continuous night of original work.
These will take place Saturday starting at 7 p.m.
Devon Flynn with the NCTS has written three of the stage-readings and looks forward to seeing his work come to life, albeit in a bare-bones setting.
“Obviously, with the restrictions and challenges these days, this is an exciting time. It’s great and necessary that we adapt and show Prince George and the world that we can still be creative, we can still entertain and people can be entertained.”
His readings are as follows:
Neurochemicals Make Up Our Lives
“Our evening starts with an explorative comedy written by Devon Flynn that takes us on a journey through what really goes on in the mind of the normal guy. It gives us a sneak peak into what really motivates the men in our lives. The truth might just surprise you.”
Never Flying with Them Again
This “presents the trials of a very tired traveller who just wants to go home, and an airport employee wearing entirely too many hats.”
Minty Gobbles
“A heartfelt look at intergenerational relations. In it, we follow a grandfather and grandchild on a hunting trip, during which what first keeps them apart becomes the very thing that ultimately brings them together.”
Jenni Bomford says she’s familiar with stage-readings having once spent some years in Asia and her script resembles some of that popular culture.
“It’s actually a radio-play script, so it being on stage in the first place is kind of an odd thing. I did live in Japan for quite a while and participated in a fan-culture for voice-actors and they did shows on stage all the time that were professionals holding scripts. So that can actually still be a powerful thing [...] to actually have the chance to do that on a smaller scale myself is quite thrilling.”
Her reading is as follows:
Cheats and Exploits
“[It] portrays the misadventures of Virginia, a teenage girl who loves video games more than anything - certainly more than her responsibilities. She finds a supernatural solution to typical adolescent obstacles, but will the easy way pay off?”
For Alora Bowness, it’s been always been a dream to see one of her plays come to life by TNW.
“It’s a very unique kind of situation we’re all in, but it’s also really exciting that we get to produce our own plays on the Theatre NorthWest stage.”
Her reading is as follows:
The Case of Cindy
“A playful genre mash-up [...] explores the life of Red Riding Hood - no longer Little - who has grown up and developed a taste for adventure. Come join her journey as she uncovers mysteries as a detective in the world of Ever After.”
The sibling duo of James and Maddision Mills hope to entice the crowd through its production.
“As the pandemic has shown all of us, actors can and always have been creative people and we’ve been able to adapt to whatever situations we find ourselves in,” said James.
“I’m not only doing this for the thrill of being on a stage and working with so many talented people, it’s also my first time not only working as a director but also sharing my creative work with the public.”
Their reading is as follows:
Souls for Sale
“An imaginative romp [...] features a pair of demons on Hell's busiest street corner with a soul to sell and a quota to make. Can they put on the charm long enough to make a sale?”
