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Ignition Theatre is hosting Bohemian Rhapsody
07/01/09
BY MARK WEBER
Red Deer Express
Ignition Theatre is gearing up for a full-fledged summer festival showcasing all kinds of fascinating artistic pursuits.
Bohemian Rhapsody, a multidisciplinary arts festival dedicated to emerging artists runs July 8-11 and 15-18 at The Matchbox Theatre.
Each week will feature different sets of original one-act plays, world premiere short films and lots of visual arts creations. Curtain is 7:30 p.m. nightly.
Ignition’s artistic director, Matt Grue, said demand for this type of festival on the local front began back virtually when the theatre company was just getting off the ground.
But he knew he wanted it to be about more than just the performing arts.
“It was something that has come up time and again in programming discussions and we always felt that we wanted to create something more extensive and inclusive than a festival dedicated exclusively to theatre,” he said.
Grue said the Bohemian Rhapsody will not only showcase incredible original theatrical work from across the province, but also feature the best in emerging film work. Parts of The Matchbox’s lobby, theatre and parking lot will also be transformed into a visual arts extravaganza. He’s thrilled with the diversity of what’s planned, adding the artists and performers are excited to be able to share their crafts with Central Alberta audiences.
“They just want a stage to be able to show their work.”
Highlights for the first week in terms of theatre productions include Good Morning by Jeremy Robinson (Perception Theatre, Red Deer). It’s described as “a slice of life story of a young couple who wake up one morning and must face day to day challenges of paying the bills, and getting to work on time, as well as trying to figure out where their lives are headed.”
El Dorado by Joel Crichton (Just Add Theatre, Edmonton) is about a schizophrenic father who vanishes leaving his son to desperately search across Canada and through his father’s past in an effort to find him. Identiry.Com by Brent Hirose (Attic Players, Calgary) examines the nature of friendship, love and identity in the digital age.
First week films include a film package featuring short films by local filmmaker Kalon McClarty including the world premiere of The Cabin. Visual art highlights include creations by Paul Boultbee, Janet Cole, Larry Reese, Cindy Ridge and Michelle Jorgensen.
The line-up for week two for theatre includes Serial Society by Albertus Koett (Giant Twinkie Productions, Red Deer) and is described simply as being about “a society for those with a serial nature.”
Why Do Fools Fall in Love? was created by Christine Lesiak, Adam Keefe & Anna Bado (Small Matters Productions, Edmonton) and follows a premise of “clown meets clown. Clown loses clown. Clowns win back clown again. Sheshells wants to get married and have babies. Rocket wants to have sex. They go to movies, a picnic and get lost in a carnival. Needs collide, hearts are broken and the would-be lovers discover that compromise is the key to happiness.”
Finally, A-Grade rounds out the theatre offerings. Penned by Andy Garland (Burning Playhouse Productions, Sherwood Park), the story focuses on a future time when corporations have replaced governments across the globe and everything and everyone is owned by someone else.
“Murray, a low-level employee, finally receives spousal approval and anticipates the wife his company is selecting for him…but what he actually receives will change his life completely.”
Other highlights of week two include a film package featuring short films by local filmmaker Dustin Clark, including the world premiere of Power Setting: High and visual art by the aforementioned artists.
It all promises to be a terrific time to explore a variety of artistic expression. Grue encourages folks to drop by and have a look, noting that audience input is critical of course to the festival’s future success.
Looking ahead, Grue said the festival will be included in each season, and he hopes to expand it beyond The Matchbox into a stream of other city venues as well.
Tickets for the Bohemian Rhapsody are $20 for adults and $16.50 for students, seniors and artists. Purchase them at The Matchbox (located at #110 5301 43rd St. in the Old Brew Building) or call 403-341-6500.
Another exciting event just around the corner is the Ignition Theatre 2009/2010 Season Launch July 21 at The Matchbox.
The night will feature exciting announcements, live entertainment, refreshments, an incredible silent auction, the chance to reserve season tickets and the launch of the season itself.
Things get underway at 7 p.m. Call 403-341-6500 to RSVP for up to three guests.
mweber@reddeer.greatwest.ca 403-309-5459
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