Noisemakers 2000: Prodigal sons

>> Ushering in the Montreal Young Company

by AMY BARRATT

"Every time you do a show," says Chris Abraham, "you sit in a bar after and complain about everything that's wrong with the process."

The Montreal Young Company, which is set to present its first two productions at the Saidye in February, was created out of a desire to try something different. For starters, the company proposal allows for a 10-week rehearsal period, instead of the standard three weeks, with an emphasis on discovery and development of craft.

Co-artistic director Bill Glassco conceived of the company while teaching acting at the National Theatre School.

As founder and artistic director of Tarragon Theatre throughout the '70s, Glassco's name was synonymous with alternative theatre in Toronto. He co-translated a dozen Michel Tremblay plays and brought them to English-Canadian audiences for the first time. A generation younger, Abraham is a graduate of the NTS directing program, and founder of his own Toronto-based company, Go Chicken Go.

And yet, both men were born in Quebec and have strong emotional ties to Montreal. How fitting that this prodigal son should return to help create for young artists opportunities which did not exist for him 30 years ago.

Not surprisingly, the initial company draws heavily on NTS graduates, and was created mainly by invitation this year rather than by audition. Although it is hoped that many of these participants will stay beyond the first year, the company is holding open auditions beginning this month for the 2001 season.

The company will only accept artists who have been out of theatre school for less than five years. That's the "young" part. Although it will consider graduates of all accredited theatre schools in Canada, auditions will only be held here. That's the "Montreal" part.

Shakespeare's Measure for Measure, directed by Bill Glassco, and The Possibilities by Howard Barker, directed by Chris Abraham, will play in repertory from Feb. 16 to March 5 at the Saidye (739-7944). l