On Saturday May 29, 2010, The Theatre Centre presents a benefit
performance of
STITCH by urbanvessel,
with an in-conversation with Juliet Palmer, Atom Egoyan,
Tom Diamond.
STITCH opens Wednesday May 26 – Sunday May 30, 2010
For 6 performances only, The Theatre Centre and urbanvessel present
the critically acclaimed STITCH – an a cappella opera by maverick
composer-librettist duo Juliet Palmer and Anna Chatterton. On Saturday
May 29, The Theatre Centre presents a special Benefit Performance,
which will include an intimate in-conversation with STITCH composer
Juliet Palmer, world-renowned filmmaker Atom Egoyan and acclaimed
theatre and opera director Tom Diamond. All proceeds raised go towards
the centre’s ongoing work with supporting artists in the creation of
new work.
STITCH was developed in residence at The Theatre Centre and received
its world premiere in 2008 as part The Theatre Centre’s Free Fall
festival. It received two Dora Award nominations for Outstanding
Production, Opera and Outstanding New Musical/Opera.
Ruth Madoc-Jones returns to direct the original cast Christine
Duncan, Patricia O’Callaghan and Neema Bickersteth.
Accompanied solely by the rhythmic sounds of three sewing machines, the
sublime and wild singers deliver a broad canvas of musical styles to
evoke life in the garment factories and reveal their own personal
stories.
Hemmed in by the language of sewing and the inexorable rhythm of the
machine, three women fight to find space for imagination and
individuality. From the sweet 3-part stylings of “Cowl-neck Blues” to
the fierce interlocked minimalism of “Chain stitch, Lock stitch, Whip
stitch”, STITCH gives voice to the unseen women who clothe us all.
Cast and creative credits
Music: Juliet Palmer; Text: Anna Chatterton; Direction: Ruth
Madoc-Jones; Performers: Christine Duncan, Patricia O’Callaghan &
Neema Bickersteth; Movement: Marie-Josée Chartier; Set & Costume:
Sarah Armstrong; Lighting: Kimberly Purtell; Special effects design:
Jim Ruxton
STITCH has already toured in
a concert version to Vancouver New Music + Western Front (April 30-May
1). The tour continues: Voice++ Festival, Open Space Arts Society,
Victoria (May 7-9); Lulu Performing Arts, Gabriola Island (May 12-13)
before arriving in Toronto.
urbanvessel
Founded by architect/artist Christie Pearson and composer Juliet
Palmer, urbanvessel is an interdisciplinary collective creating
performance works rooted in the sounds and spaces of the urban
environment. Works include: Four Lines (2006), Slip (2006), The
Province Of Impossible (2007). Voice-Box, a competitive concert in a
boxing ring commissioned by Harbourfront’s Fresh Ground program,
premieres Nov 10-14.
The Theatre Centre
Since 1979, The Theatre Centre has been Toronto’s home for experimental
performance. Serving as an arts incubator, the centre provides emerging
and established artists with the facilities, funding, mentorship,
profile and sense of community to enable new work to be created,
explored and developed.
LISTING INFORMATION
STITCH DATES: Wednesday May 26 - Sunday May 30, 2010. Wed-Fri, 8pm,
matinees Sat & Sun 2:30pm
TICKET PRICES: $20 (plus $2 facility fee)
STITCH BENEFIT PERFORMANCE: Saturday May 29, 7pm. Tickets: $100,
includes a pre-show reception, performance and in-conversation with
Juliet Palmer, Atom Egoyan, Tom Diamond.
VENUE: The Theatre Centre 1087 Queen St. W (S.E corner of Queen &
Dovercourt)
BOX OFFICE: 416-538-0988. Website: www.theatrecentre.org /
www.urbanvessel.com
------------------------------
STITCH: Presenting Sponsor Collective Pros. Hospitality Sponsor Steam Whistle.
The Theatre Centre is supported by The Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, The Ontario Arts Council, The Toronto Arts Council, Metcalf Foundation, The Ontario Trillium Foundation & The Youssef-Warren Foundation.
