by AMY BARRATT

Eleven of Montreal’s finest actors are about to take the stage in a world premiere produced by one of the city’s oldest companies. Are we talking about a new show at Centaur? Saidye? Nope. Brahm and the Angel is the latest from Geordie productions and yes, it is children’s theatre. The third and final play in Geordie’s mainstage season, it opens at Concordia’s D.B. Clarke Theatre this weekend.

That “children’s theatre” label shouldn’t necessarily scare away adult theatregoers. Geordie, which is always very particular in its age recommendations for its productions, recommends this one for ages “seven to 107.”

Brahm and the Angel is a stage adaptation of a 1995 novel by South African writer Marietjie de Jongh. It tells of a fictional country in which every village suffers from its own particular scourge. A council of strictly non-denominational angels looks upon this misery and decides it must send an emissary to help out. The Angel (played by Robin Wilcock) appears to a young boy named Brahm (Lindsay Owen Pierre), and the two set off on foot to try to put things right. The kickass cast also includes MECCA winners Harry Standjofski, Alison Darcy and Glenda Braganza.

The book has been adapted for the stage by Barbara Poggemiller. All of the actors except Pierre and Wilcock play multiple roles. In between, they melt back into a chorus that serves two purposes: it narrates the story, and, through movement, creates settings.

“Each place [in the book] is so specific, that you really can’t do it with sets,” explains Poggemiller, who also directs this production.

Movement is a huge element in the piece, with the actors called on to create everything from the desert to a flock of chickens. Florence Figols is on board as choreographer and Poggemiller chose actors who, she says, “all move beautifully and are unafraid of movement.”

Geordie has been saving its pennies and planning for this production for six years. The show that goes up tomorrow night is the work of individuals at all different stages of their theatrical careers, from seasoned professionals to students. Through a special grant, renowned designer Pat Flood has had three local theatre departments at her disposal to create her vision. Students at McGill have built the costumes, others at Concordia made props and masks, and the set was constructed at John Abbott.

“Nobody has felt any restrictions on their imaginations,” beams Geordie’s founder Elsa Bolam, obviously proud of having steered Brahm and the Angel through the six-year voyage from page to stage. Knowing the struggle English theatre companies face just to stay alive in this city, it’s an achievement that could almost make you believe in divine intervention.

ONDINNOK

Ondinnok, the only professional First Nations theatre company in Quebec, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this Saturday night with a benefit show at the Maison de la culture Frontenac. Founder Yves-Sioui Durand will share the stage with prominent supporters from the artistic community including Richard Séguin, Florent Vollant and Chloé Ste-Marie. May 7 at

8 p.m., $20–$25, 593-1990.

BRAHM AND THE ANGEL OPENS FRIDAY, MAY 6, AT 7 P.M. SATURDAY PERFORMANCES MAY 7 AND 14 AT 2 P.M., SUNDAYS MAY 8 AND 15 AT 1 AND 3 P.M. AT THE D.B. CLARKE THEATRE (HALL BUILDING, 1455 DE MAISONNEUVE W.),
$12.50–$15, 845-9810

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