[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBv3ae_dSwE[/youtube]
Some of Ottawa’s leading theatres recently announced their lineup for the 2015-16 season. Over the past few days, Apartment613 has previewed what local audiences can expect in the near future. Today we conclude our look ahead by focusing on the National Arts Centre’s upcoming season for English theatre.
Jillian Keiley, the artistic director of English theatre at the National Arts Centre, has seen hundreds of performances over the years. So when she tells you that one particular play is her number one choice you should listen.
“The Adventures of a Black Girl in Search of God is my favourite play of all time,” she tells Apartment613 in an interview. “One of the most profound experiences I’ve had in the theatre is watching this play for the first time.”
Photo by David Krovblit
High praise indeed! That is why local theatre lovers should be pleased that this work will be part of the NAC’s 2015-16 English theatre programme.
Written by Djanet Sears, this story revolves around Rainey Johnson, a woman who still feels guilty over the death of her daughter, while also dealing with a broken relationship with her sick father and a pending divorce.
Based on Keiley’s enthusiasm for this work this is a show to look forward to.
The upcoming English theatre season, however, won’t be limited to high drama. Also on the schedule is the musical Anne & Gilbert, the sequel to Anne of Green Gables.
Keiley confesses that she did not want to see this show initially. However, after watching the performance she was inspired to bring it to Ottawa. “It was so sweet, it was so funny,” she recalls when describing the first time she saw it.
If you love musicals, then you can also see the English version of Belles Soeurs: The Musical, which is based on the Michel Tremblay’s classic work.
But next year offers much more than music. Also scheduled is a re-imagined performance of Twelfth Night by Calgary’s Old Trout Puppet Workshop. “It’s a show with animated objects,” replies Keiley when asked to describe what audiences can expect from this new take of Shakespeare.
Photo of Jack Charles by Bindi Cole
As well, audience members can see the powerful Australian play Jack Charles V The Crown, in which veteran actor Jack Charles tells the story of his life as a theatre legend, addict, musician, homosexual, activist, residential school survivor and someone who has been imprisoned.
Concord Floral by Jordan Tannahill, meanwhile, is a spine tingling story about a horrifying secret that is uncovered in a greenhouse. “(This play) is a really unique experience,” says Keiley, adding that it will feature 10 young actors from the Ottawa.
Finally, The December Man offers a powerful look at the 1989 Montreal Massacre, in which a couple seek to help their son Jean deal with guilt following the death of so many women.
From high drama to musicals to re-imagined Shakespeare, the upcoming NAC season offers many interesting options.
For tickets to individual plays, subscriptions and the complete 2015-16 schedule go to the NAC English Theatre web site.
