I recently had the pleasure of attending Telling Takes Out of School, a project of the Playwriting and New Play Dramaturgy students at York U’s Theatre Department. The evening consisted of original monologues presented or performed by the students. Each monologue was inspired by one of Toronto’s leading theatre professionals. Each student had chosen a different artist to interview earlier this year and created a work based upon that person’s essence. I saw pieces inspired by Daniel Brooks, John Mighton, Sky Gilbert, Evalyn Parry, David Smuckler, Kelly Thornton, and others.
Because I know some of the artists and their work it was fasinating to see how the 3rd and 4th year students experienced them.
One of the students, Dan Vernon, interviewed me back in October and devised a beautiful piece called “The Nun and the Wolf.” I was impressed and honoured by how he interpreted me. His monologue was very provocative (how fitting!), and there was a palpable shifting in the audience at the climax of his piece.
There were bios of some of the inspiring artists in the program. Dan included only a single quote from me in the program: “I want to be able to be a human animal.”
The night was conceived and directed by Judith Rudakoff. Dramaturgy by Judith Rudakoff, Samantha Serles, Hilary Sherman, Derek Gingrich, Brendee Green.
It was a free event, but voluntary donations were collected for Covenant House Toronto and over one hundred dollars was raised.
The poster image was photographed by Judith Rudakoff. The poster design was by Chris Michael Burns.