The Thistle Project returns to the stage with Peer Gynt
A two-actor play starring Susan Coyne
We bring physical, environmental theatre to the historic Church of the Holy Trinity
Three years after our sold-out hit, Gorey Story, The Thistle Project returns to the Toronto stage with Peer Gynt, a tour-de-force performance piece adapted for two actors by director Erika Batdorf with the company. Playing in every corner of Toronto’s historic Church of the Holy Trinity, actors Susan Coyne (Soulpepper Founding Member and Gemini-winning performer and creator of Slings and Arrows) and our own Matthew Romantini bring Henrik Ibsen’s epic poem to life.
Our adaptation, which casts Coyne as Peer Gynt and Romantini as everyone (and everything) else, is an examination of Self: selfishness, selflessness, and integrity. It explores ideas of accountability, notoriety, and unconditional love through various elements of classical theatre, story theatre, dance, live music, and shadow puppetry. This colossal tale has been streamlined for two virtuosic performances, remaining a magical, 100-minute tribute to Ibsen’s original.
The designers make use of all physical, musical and illuminant aspects of The Church of the Holy Trinity to create a Peer Gynt that is fully integrated with its venue. Audiences follow the actors through the space before settling down for the moving climax. Due to the travelling and intimate nature of the performance, seating is limited to 46 audience members per night.
Directed by Erika Batdorf
Produced by Christine Horne
Set and Costumes by Lindsay Anne Black
Lighting Design by Jason Hand
Sound Design and Composition by Richard Feren
Performed by Susan Coyne and Matthew Romantini
DATES: January 29th – February 21st, 2010 (preview January 28th)
VENUE: The Church of the Holy Trinity (10 Trinity Square, next to the Eaton Centre)
Click on Library for a press release and media contact information.
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Peer Gynt Workshop and production generously supported by:
Workshop supported by:
The Thistle Project Hosts an
Impromptu Splendor
The National Theatre of the World performs a play NOT written by
Henrik Ibsenin support of Thistle’s upcoming production of PEER GYNT
(which was actually written by Henrik Ibsen,
and then cut to pieces by the company)
Whee!
What: The evening includes:
Our always-excellent silent auction!
Discounted advance tickets to Peer Gynt!
Things to eat and drink!
And a brand new Ibsen play by the award-winning
National Theatre of the World!
(www.thenationaltheatreoftheworld.com)
When: Sunday, October 18th, 2009
Doors at 7:00, Impromptu Splendor at 8:00(or thereabouts)
Where: The Church of the Holy Trinity
10 Trinity Square, Toronto (right next to the Eatons Centre)
Why: Proceeds benefit Thistle’s upcoming production of Peer Gynt
directed by Erika Batdorf and featuring Susan Coyne and
Matthew Romantini, at the Church of the Holy Trinity in
January/February of 2010.
$25, please.
Presented as part of the Summerworks Festival, Waiting for the Dawn is a solo work created by Erika Batdorf, and performed by Matthew Romantini.
In Waiting for the Dawn, Mr. Vain Imagination is trying "video therapy" for the first time, and finding it difficult to get used to, while Ms. Idle Fancy, a business woman from Georgia, asks God for a vision, but only if it comes in the next 24 hours.
If nothing happens, she'll move on to astrology, or somethin' else.
In last-ditch attempts to understand how they're connected, Idle meditates in impossibly high heels, while Vain stays awake for nights on end. She takes the bus for the first time, he tries to turn into a tiger, and both look for a way to pick up an audience and put it in their hands.
Called "sophisticated and provocative," and a "down to earth, unpretentious amalgam of storytelling and dance…laced with affection and humorous moments," Waiting for the Dawn is a comedic romp through 55 real-time minutes with two people who don't even know that they're searching for one another.
As part of Chalmers and Canada Council Development grants, Erika taught this pre-existing solo to Matthew in late 2008 and early 2009 as a tool to practice skills in developing muscular dynamics, orational movement and creation of a solo work. At the termination of the grants, Erika and Matthew wanted to continue working on this piece, and Summerworks provided the perfect avenue for this.
On 3 April, 2009, The Thistle Project hosted its third social event, La Femme Verte: A Cabaret. The gala supported the continued development of our new adaptation of Ibsen's Peer Gynt for a cast of two. The soirée was co-hosted by the incomparable Rosemarie and Wayne Umetsu, and took place at the Atelier Rosemarie Umetsu (96 Avenue Road). The hors d'oeuvres were amazing, the open bar fantastic, and performances by the renowned Jean Stilwell and Patti Loach, Brad Hampton, Terra Hazelton and Sophia Perlman were breath-taking and amazing! Many thanks to our hosts, the artists, and to you, our guests at this once in a lifetime event.
Based on Edward Gorey’s The Gashlycrumb Tinies
