Benu – Play by d’bi.young
Featuring Daniel Barrow
Synopsis: Barrow’s manual animation uses video, live narration and music to present the story of a garbage man that is determined to put together a phone book that will include everyone in the city he lives in.
I must admit I went to see this production with no expectations and not knowing too much about Daniel Barrow. It was a late show on a Saturday night and it was great. The story is not linear but does not need to be. The live narration adds to set the various moods in the story. Most of all, I like the manual animation aspect of this show. Barrow’s skillful drawings on the overhead projector look great as was the accompanying music. I was really impressed with the whole production. If you’re open minded and looking for a new experience in terms of art and storytelling, this is for you. The last show is Saturday, Aug 15th at 2:30pm at Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace.
Impromptu Splendor – by The company
Presented by The National Theatre of the World
Directed by The company
Featuring Matt Baram, Naomi Snieckus, Ron Pederson
Synopsis: An improvised play with a really great cast… You will not know what the story is about. The audience from the previous show picks the name of a playwright. Thus, the play you see is set in the style of that playwright and you help the Company put the story together… Lots of laughs guaranteed.
Another one of my faves from this year’s SummerWorks. I got to see “The Perverted Metronome” in the style of David Mamet. What a blast! I’m always a fan of improvised works and I liked Impromptu Splendor so much that I’m going again on Sunday. There is not much to say since you have to go and experience this one for yourself. I know it’s been getting great reviews… You have a chance to go twice this weekend Saturday, Aug 15th at 4:30pm or Sunday, Aug 16th at 6:30pm both shows at Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace.
For more information on the whole SummerWorks line up as well as times and tickets go here.
Photos: Courtesy of SummerWorks
