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Saving Shakespeare >> The continuing strange ripple effects of 9/11 on local arts and culture
• “As
a result of the tragedy of September 11, Repercussion Theatre’s
key American presenters defaulted on their payments. As a result, the
very existence of this touring Shakespeare-in-the-Park company is in
peril. See below for information on how you can help.” • “Following
the tragic events of September 11, the theatre of the Saidye Bronfman
Centre for the Arts has cancelled Arthur Miller’s A View From the
Bridge in favour of a light-hearted look at an Italo-Canadian family
in Damn Those Wedding Bells! Now playing!”
• “Because
of the terrorist attacks in the United States, the Centaur theatre will
present an entire season of Mambo Italiano.” • “As
a consequence of the dark pall hanging over America since last September,
Robert Lepage’s latest show just isn’t coming together.” • “In
reaction to the horrors of September 11, Q Art productions will present
yet another long, depressing play.” • “Due
to the tragic events of 9/11, Gravy Bath Productions has issued a press
release.” • “Owing
to the terrorist attacks of September 11, the Gazette’s new presses
will not be up and running until 2005.” • “As
a response to the devastating events of September 11, the CBC will be
showing old Wayne and Shuster specials throughout the month of May.”
• “In
the wake of September 11, Montreal’s Musée des Beaux Arts
is removing all Bouguereau canvasses from its permanent collection.” • “Out
of respect for the victims of September 11, the character of Growltiger
has been removed from the hit musical Cats.” • “Pursuant
to last September’s tragedy in the U.S., Quebec actress Pascale
Bussières has announced that she is pregnant.” • “Spokesmen
for the Canadian film industry have announced that, considering the
impact of 9/11 on all North Americans, a 3.5-hour director’s cut
of Atanarjuat (The Fast Runner) will be released this summer.” • “As
a result of the September 11 attacks, the newly renamed Just for Lamentation
Tragedy Fest will showcase dozens of professional mourners and street
ululaters in the Quartier Latin this summer.” • “As a direct sequel to the attacks in New York and Washington, dancers from Les Grands Ballets Canadiens will be ringing your doorbell in the next few weeks asking to mow your lawn.”
Truth is stranger
than fiction But seriously folks,
Repercussion really is in trouble. Despite the fact that last year’s
Cirque-influenced Twelfth Night was probably their most critically acclaimed
show ever, the company found themselves in dire straits last fall when
key American backers redirected Shakespeare-in-the-Park money toward
9/11 relief efforts. A couple of fundraising events are in the works,
which I’ll tell you about as soon as they’re confirmed, but
in the meantime Repercussion is accepting contributions. If you’ve
ever enjoyed their free Shakespeare under the stars, or ever hope to
enjoy it again, please make a donation to
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Looking
over the press releases that have crossed the Mirror Theatre desk in
the last few months, a theme has begun to emerge. Here’s a sampling.