Going to St. Ives
Varscona Theatre Ensemble ends its three-part debut season with with an emotionally charged production from Atlas Theatre.Directed by Julien Arnold, Going to St. Ives is a sharply focused lens that puts postcolonial Africa under a microscope and examines its continuing violence.
In this two-hander, May N'Kame (Patrica Darbasie), the mother of an African dictator travels to England to see Dr. Cage (Belinda Cornish) about treatment for her failing eyesight.
Dr. Cage in turn uses the consultation as an opportunity to raise the issue of her imprisoned colleagues. Meanwhile, May's true motive in visiting the doctor is to obtain a poison to kill her murderous son.
In this intellectually engrossing play, playwright Lee Blessing's script weaves personal ethics, global politics and moral responsibility in a cultural divide.
Going to St. Ives runs April 5 to 14 at the Varscona Theatre. Tickets start at $23 and are available at http://www.yeglive.ca
Slut
Famous for provocative theatre, Northern Light Theatre flings open its doors on Thursday night with playwright Brenda McFarlane's Slut.In this solo show, Matilda (Michelle Todd) is a 30-something accountant who really likes sex. After more than a few willing partners, she gets arrested for prostitution.
Slut starts with Matilda at the police station during a night of bookings as she struggles to come to terms with her predicament. While there she is forced to explain her life to a sex addiction therapist and a macho, but potentially sensitive cop.
Director Trevor Schmidt works to pry apart stereotypes and social stigmas in a society that perceives men and women as different sexual beings.
Slut runs April 5 to 14 at Studio Theatre in the ATB Financial Arts Barns. Tickets are $20 to $30. Call 780-471-1586 or http://www.northernlighttheatre.com
MacEwan Music Month
MacEwan University's traditional MacEwan Music Month showcases some of the strongest undergraduate players in the region from April 7 to 9.The Saturday night kickoff features the Showcase Bands directed by St. Albert jazz singer Chandelle Rimmer and Dr. William Richards. Their performances feature an energetic repertoire of contemporary rock, pop and fusion.
On Sunday, Brian Thurgood's Percussion Ensemble, known for their precision, timing and energy, highlight a cornucopia of traditional and exotic instruments.
Closing the event is Ray Baril and Jerrold Dubyk's prestigious Big Bands creating a powerful fusion of Latin, funk and jazz.
All shows are at Triffo Theatre, 11110 - 104 Ave. Tickets are $5 to $15. Call 780-497-4470 or [email protected]
