By Erin Murray
Looking for a night out at the theatre that offers a perfect blend of comedy, drama, mystery and fantasy? Look no further than the upcoming Kanata Theatre 10-minute play festival, performing this weekend at Ron Maslin Playhouse. Here, you can catch seven original plays in one evening!
Each year, a group of local playwrights take on the challenge of crafting an original piece of theatre featuring well-developed characters, a complete story arc from conflict to resolution, all in the space of just 10 minutes. The seven plays chosen for this year’s festival present a great variety of viewing for the audience, and perhaps a few surprises.
This is the third year for the festival, which began as a virtual writing group formed during the pandemic. “It was something to keep us busy when everything shut down and there was no theatre for a while,” says playwright Jane Stott, who has participated every year since the festival began.
Chance Kelly plays Noah and William Mann plays Max in Jane Stott’s play Screen Time, one of seven plays featured in the Kanata Theatre 10-minute play festival.
The performances this weekend are the culmination of a creative labour of love that begins each year in October when writers start drafting their plays. The playwrights meet regularly over several months and are mentored by local award-winning playwright Guy Newsham, who helps writers to hone their vision and tighten up their work to fit the format. With only ten minutes of run time, there can be no moment wasted.
Directors are chosen for the plays, and actors cast. The playwrights do not direct their own work, instead watching the results of a new creative voice interpreting their words and ideas into an on- stage production. This year features some returning participants and several new faces. The show promises to be a wonderful community event with something for everyone. “Each play is a completely different experience,” says Stott, “and if you don’t like what you are watching, it will be over in 10 minutes and you will see something else.”
In terms of the seven shows themselves, you can expect to see a wide variety of stories and themes. From dark and sinister drama to lighthearted capers, from heartfelt mother-daughter relationships to murder mystery and more! It promises to be a unique and delightful evening of theatre.
The performances are:
A Dark and Stormy Night written by Andrew Stodart; directed by Jon Pierce
Do Not Resuscitate written by Brian McCullough; directed by Barry Caiger
Lessons in Loss written by Shauna MacEachern; directed by Karine Charland
Murder and Other Hobbies written by E.J. Nash; directed by Chris Ingley
Muse written by Heather Hogan; directed by Diane Côté
Screen Time written by Jane Stott; directed by Kiara Côté
The Key written by Mary Ellen Vice; directed by Brian McManus
Tickets for the 10-Minute Play Festival are available at the door of the Ron Maslin Playhouse, cash only. Performance dates are Friday, July 28 at 7:30pm and Saturday, July 29, at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Pay what you can (suggested donation $10). Doors open approximately 45 minutes before show time.
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