Blackbird Crows into Toronto

Looking to see something new and exciting in Toronto? March 12^th marked the Canadian premiere of the Olivier award winning play "Blackbird" by British playwright David Harrower.  Blackbird was a hit in London's West End and off-Broadway where it featured Jeff Daniels and Alison Pill in the lead roles.  A production was recently launched in Chicago starring CSI's William L. Peterson.  The Canadian production will feature Hardee T. Lineham and Jessica Greenberg as the two characters enmeshed in a messy love story that is at the heart of what can be described as an intense psychodrama. 

Blackbird is essentially a dramatic two-person play, based on a twisted love-story in which Una (Jessica Greenberg) and Ray (Hardee T. Lineham) find themselves in the strange position of being reunited after fifteen years when they had an unusual relationship that ended very badly.  Una surprises Ray by re-entering his new life, where he now goes by a different name and has put his past behind him.  What ensues is a series of twists and turns that make you examine human relationships. 

The premiere of Blackbird also marks another important event in Canadian theatre, as it is one of the first productions to be launched as part of the new venture titled the Berkeley Street Project.  This project was headed by The Canadian Stage Company, and it joins together three key members of Toronto's independent theatre community: Necessary Angel Theatre Company, Nightwood Theatre and Studio 180.  The goal of this new venture is to try and diversify Canadian theatre and bring more shows to the Toronto area.

Be sure to check out some of the extras currently being offered if you see the show.  There are special talk-back sessions held after every Wednesday matinee and Thursday evening performance, where you can interact with members of the production. The Canadian Stage Company is also offering special discounts for student matinees, groups, and early booking.

Blackbird is currently set to play until April 4^th, 2009 at the Berkeley Street Theatre Downstairs, located at 26 Berkeley St in Toronto.  Matinees are featured at 1:30PM on Wednesdays and 2:00PM on Saturdays, with evening shows Monday-Saturday at 8PM.  The show does contain mature themes and is recommended for a mature audience. 

To purchase tickets or obtain more information call 416-368-3110 or visit the online site at www.studio180.ca

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