by Shelagh Stephenson
September 28 to October 13, 2007 • THE MAIN STAGE
Directed by Barbara Larose
In Shelagh Stephenson's award-winning dark comedy, three sisters gather in their mother's house to arrange her funeral. Together, these women (neurotic health food store owner Teresa; Mary, a successful doctor; vulnerable wild-child Catherine; and, not to be left out, the ghost of the mother herself) battle it out using humour, alcohol and their grief to patch together a shared memory of the past. The Memory of Water won the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2000 and in a 2004 review, a critic rightly commented, “[Stephenson] unerringly reveals the many ways in which death uncovers the absurd in life.”
Olivier Award for Best Comedy - 2000
“All memories are false. Yours in particular.”
by Michel Tremblay
November 16 to December 1, 2007 • THE STUDIO
Directed by Lee Poulin
Tremblay's homage to the colourful, down-to-earth mother who nurtured his imagination, his reclusive reading habits and his love for the theatre and the arts. In a compelling balance of humour and poignancy, Tremblay offers glimpses of himself and his mother at five different stages of their lives together.
“ . . . a magnificently cathartic theatrical moment.”
“Earthy, effervescent, unabashedly loving tribute an entertaining raconteur. Nana has the soul of an artist.”
by Noel Coward
January 18 to February 2, 2008 • THE MAIN STAGE
Directed by Ed Rosing
One of the most flippant plays ever written. Elyot and Amanda, once married and now honeymooning with new spouses at the same hotel, meet by chance, reignite the old spark and impulsively elope. After days of being reunited, they again find their fiery romance alternating between passions of love and anger, eventually leading to a knock-down, drag out fight. A unique play with four successful Broadway runs.
“Gorgeous, dazzling, fantastically funny” N.Y. Times
“A gleaming and gleeful comedy.” N.Y. Post
“A brilliant comedy. A very funny play.” Newsweek
Three Weeks of New Works
March 5 to 22, 2008 • THE STUDIO
Since 1989, the New Ideas Festival has showcased never-before-produced short scripts, in an engaging mix of stories and styles. This annual juried festival also affords the audience an opportunity to give feedback to writers, directors and actors. Join us for a new lineup each week, and get involved via optional talkback sessions or feedback forms. Have your say in the development of new Canadian theatre!
“The Alumnae's New Ideas Festival is an ideal environment in which to develop new work: smart, supportive and secure.” - Dave Carley, playwright, 1992's Taking Liberties
by Lucy Brennan
April 18 to May 3, 2008 • THE MAIN STAGE
Directed by Jane Carnwath
An Alumnae first! We proudly present the premiere of a play by one of our own members. Set in 1950s Dublin, Daughter of the House tells the story of Eileen, torn between her desire to follow her man to Canada and her duty, as the only daughter, to stay and care for her mother. All members of the family express their views with intensity and humour - no holding back in this household! A poignant, witty exploration of richly nuanced characters - with a surprise at the end.
A day-long festival of
readings of works-in-progress
May 4, 2008 • THE STUDIO
A day-long festival of readings of works-in-progress from the Alumnaes New Play Development writers. Which may be short plays, long plays, an act or a scene from a full-length play, whatever our writers are working on at the moment.
Come and find out what the NPD is doing.
Surprises guaranteed.
From 12 noon and all afternoon and evening.
Free Admission
ALUMNAE THEATRE COMPANY
70 Berkeley Street
Toronto, Ontario • M5A 2W6
Phone: 416-364-4170
Email: contactus@alumnaetheatre.com