Trinity Western University presents the second instalment of New Generations, SAMC Theatre’s annual emerging artist festival running February 1 to 5. With five plays presented back-to-back, each performance is like a multi-course meal of delicious theatre.
The evening’s entertainment includes edge-of-your-seat suspense, quirky comedy, and everything in between. Each play is student-directed under the mentorship of Jessie-winning director Angela Konrad, and two are world premieres penned by TWU playwriting students.
“Directing my own play for New Generations is a phenomenal opportunity for me,” says 4th year Theatre major Gwendolen Groen, who directs her recently completed script Closing Up. “I am so excited to be instrumental in making my characters go from words on a page to living, breathing human beings.”
In Closing Up, what starts out as an ordinary closing shift at a middle-of-nowhere café in the Yukon gets funny, then scary, then touching as two strangers discover more about each other than they bargained for. From dishpit battle wounds to haunting emotional scars, life happens and it’s no cup of decaf.
The other playwright to look out for is Cara Lowdermilk, whose witty romantic comedy August in the Spring tells the story of a brilliant but socially isolated girl with Asperger’s Syndrome. Cara’s promising play is directed by classmate Becky MacDormand.
“It’s such a privilege to be selected for a festival like this, where my peers are premiering original work,” says Vancouver’s Jessica Van Elk, an aspiring director in her third year at TWU. “I’m honoured to have my work showcased to the community, and hope this experience will help prepare me for my own productions once I graduate.” Jessica is directing The Role of Della by John Wooten, a wildly unpredictable sprint through the world of auditions and fiercely competitive actresses.
Also on the menu is David Ives’ Sure Thing, directed by Jordan Schuurman; a fast-paced New York comedy following the ups and downs of a blind date like no other. And Clare Arney directs Still Stands the House, a chilling suspense thriller set in the Canadian prairies during the Great Depression. Written by the award-winning Gwen Pharis Ringwood, it is one of Canada’s most acclaimed and frequently performed plays.
Starring Kylie Bartel, Brandon Bate, Rachel Bell, Cody Friesen, Tia Glenn-Cooke, Mary-Kate Goody, Kristina Hutchison, Heather James, Melissa Koch, Ashley MacKenzie, Matt Macris, Bryan Sandberg, David Shoffner, and Matt Warnock. Stage managed by Dan Giroday with lighting designed by Crystal Dodding.
Evening performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8pm, February 1 – 5 with a Saturday matinee at 2pm. For more information and tickets, visit www.twu.ca/theatre or email theatre@twu.ca.