Unlike most of Halifax, I’m pretty stingy with my standing ovations, but even I leapt to my feet at the end of Tempting Providence. I was moved by the story itself, awed by the performances, impressed by the intricate choreography of everyday objects and envious of playwright Robert Chafe’s perfect command of both poetic and […]
Theatre
Posted inArts + Music
Wit’s End, back again
Annnnnd we’re back! Yes, we know, you missed us. In case you’re wondering, we did get the flowers, and the chocolate, and that fish wrapped in a bulletproof vest and butcher’s paper that we think/hope belongs to our neighbours… WAIT, what?! You don’t remember who we are because our last blog post happened over seven […]
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The Reluctant Resurrection of Sherlock Holmes comes to life
A pair of ghosts (one of whom is Sherlock Holmes himself), a retired thespian (who serves the ham thickly sliced), his romantic daughter (who has her own dramatic streak), a long-suffering wife, some cagey servants and the renowned Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are the unlikely cast of characters who are embroiled in a murder on […]
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Talent abounds in Inherit the Wind
If you think that amateur theatre is not worth spending your entertainment dollars on, I challenge you to see the Dartmouth Player’s production of Inherit the Wind. Though written in 1955, the topic of this piece—creationism versus Darwinism—is still surprisingly contentious in some circles today. The writing is exquisite, and when you add an exceptionally […]
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Shipping news
The word “celebrate” is most often used for happy occasions, but it can also mean “to observe with dignity.” This April, Halifax is playing host to events celebrating and commemorating the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, including two plays, Titanic: The Untold Story and Titanic: The Fated Voyage. Though these productions differ […]
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Titanic: A Fated Voyage a class act
It’s hard to believe that a play about a horrific tragedy could make for a fun outing, but Titanic: The Fated Voyage pulls it off. It’s a lively piece of theatre that deals right off with the sinking, and then flashes back to acquaint the audience with an interesting bunch of characters who come together […]
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A telling Titanic: An Untold Story
Titanic: The Untold Story actually tells two stories rather than one, which is both its strength and weakness. The first is of a Haitian-born engineer (played by Conrad Caton) who is believed to have been the only black man aboard the Titanic. The second is that of Jack Johnson (Anthony Sherwood, who also wrote, produced […]
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Big Mistaek
Apparently the last words to leave mighty Roman emperor Titus’ lips were “I have made but one mistake.” It’s a compelling statement, but an ambiguous one too…which is why Lauren Bell thought it was a fitting title for this evening of performance and video art that she and her fellow members of the emerging Dudes […]
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I Am Domestic Violence provoked solemn reflection
“I am domestic violence!” Wambui Bahati shouted from the crowd, surprising the audience. I, too, was surprised—though for a different reason. I’m not usually a fan of solo theatre performances, and given the subject matter, I came into the Spatz Theatre somewhat skeptical of how the show would go. Domestic violence is a subject that […]
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Merritt predictions
On Monday, March 26, the bright lights of Halifax’s theatre community will be schmoozing the night away at Casino Nova Scotia (7pm, $17/$20). Yes, the Merritts have crossed the harbour from their sometime-home at Alderney Landing, where in recent years this annual theatre awards ceremony has become so popular that many ticket holders have had […]
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The Stones shine in Slowly I Turn
The smell of baking bread greets the audience as they enter the eclectically cluttered living room that serves as a stage for Zuppa’s latest envelope-pushing production. The show that unfolds there is part exploration of memory, part celebration of life, laughs and family and part thought-provoking meditation on aging and dying. The piece stars Ben […]
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Ann-Marie Kerr wins Gina Wilkinson Prize
Ann-Marie Kerr, director of Zuppa Theatre’s The Debacle (set to play at Festival TransAmeriques), 2b theatre company’s Invisible Atom, the premiere of Daniel MacIvor’s Confession and more, has won the inaugural Gina Wilkinson Prize for an Emerging Female Director. Kerr, who taught at the National Theatre School and directed Soulpepper’s Youth Mentorship Program for several years, […]