On the cusp of its 20th anniversary, Theatre Gargantua, in association with Factory Theatre, presents the world premiere of IMPRINTS. This fantastical new play, by Dora Mavor Moore Award-nominated Michael Spence, takes audiences on a visceral exploration of ancestry, genetic memory and ghostly inheritance in the company's trademark highly physical style. Directed by Theatre Gargantua Artistic Director Jacquie P.A. Thomas, IMPRINTS previews from November 9, opens November 11 and runs to November 26 at Factory Studio Theatre.
Inspired by current theories of genetic memory - and taking them further in a fascinating mix of science and fantasy - playwright Michael Spence explores the ghosts of our ancestral past by imagining them as existing within our genes. IMPRINTS speculates about the thousands and thousands of intimate strangers that make up our lineage and how their experiences are manifested in our instincts, fears and dreams.
Lily is haunted. Her body is overrun with ghosts. They surreptitiously influence all aspects of her life. She does not even know they are there, until she meets them face-to-face.
IMPRINTS tells the fantastical tale of Lily, a woman haunted by the ghosts of her ancestors. While undergoing an experimental procedure for an incurable disease, she is inadvertently transported down a very peculiar rabbit-hole. There she encounters the ghosts of her genealogical past - and discovers alarming keys to her present.
The acting ensemble for IMPRINTS features Stephanie Belding, Cosette Derome, Conor Green, Ron Kennell, Kat Sandler and Michael Spence. Dramaturgy is by Bruce Barton; projection design by Cameron Davis; set design by Michael Spence; lighting design by Laird Macdonald and costume design by Sheree Tams. Original vocal compositions are by Jacquie P.A. Thomas with the Ensemble; sound design/consultants are Michael Laird and William Fallon. Kathleen Harrison is the stage manager.
Theatre Gargantua is a multiple Dora-winning, artist-driven creative ensemble, producing groundbreaking movement-theatre projects in two-year cycles. A multidisciplinary creation approach begets an ever-evolving, increasingly informed, provocative style all its own. Past works include e-DENTITY, fIBBER, Raging Dreams, (nod), Phantom Limb and THE EXIT ROOM.
Theatre Gargantua in association with Factory Theatre presents the WORLD PREMIERE of IMPRINTS
A new play by Michael Spence
Directed by Theatre Gargantua Artistic Director Jacquie P.A. Thomas
Starring Stephanie Belding, Cosette Derome, Conor Green, Ron Kennell, Kat Sandler, Michael Spence
Dramaturgy by Bruce Barton, Designed by Cameron Davis, Laird Macdonald,
Michael Spence, Sheree Tams, Michael Laird and William Fallon
Previews from November 9, Opens November 11 and runs to November 26, 2011
Factory Studio Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street
Preview Performances: Wed Nov. 9 at 6:30pm and 9:30pm; Thurs. Nov. 10 at 8pm
Regular Performances: Thurs - Sat at 8pm;
Additional shows Sun Nov. 13 at 2:30pm & Tues Nov. 15 at 8pm
Previews $17; Tues & Thurs $20; Fri & Sat $25
(Discounts available for students, seniors, groups, equity).
For tickets, contact the Factory Theatre box office at 416-504-9971 or visit www.theatregargantua.ca)
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