The Russians are coming

Mystery Theatre, Russians and a Contentious Paper Are Coming Next Week

Pssst…want to see something secret and cool?

Have you heard of Canadian playwright Hannah Moscovitch? 

Hannah is a genius with words, dubbed the “indie sensation” by Toronto Life Magazine and “dark angel of Toronto theatre” by Toronto Star. She has also been nominated for the Governor General’s award for theatre excellence. 

Her two short plays, The Russian Play and Essay,  kick off New Vintage Theatre’s fall theatre season from Sept.13-15 in a mysterious downtown Kelowna location.

New Vintage Theatre is in our sixth season called Starry Nights.  Both plays are directed by Elana Bizovie in collaboration with producer Angela Lavender. Their cast is first rate: Laura Marie Seres, Adam Weaver and Andrew Knudsen, with costumes by Perch’s Robyn Flinn.

Those familiar with this dream team will know their intensity is equally matched by their commitment. In addition to learning all things historically Russian (accent, dance, food), the actors have also been exploring the modern politics of persuasion and gender dynamics in the academic world today.  

With the world at odds over Russian involvement in our political systems and the #metoo movement, both plays are timely and gripping.

Just like the character Pixie in Essay, New Vintage director Elana Bizovie is very passionate about her “passion” project.

“Having the opportunity to work with a team from the area really opens your eyes to the level of dedication and skill that we have here in the Okanagan. I (also) think supporting work by Canadian playwrights is important, especially women playwrights.

"Actually, the entire production team is made up of women, and we're telling women's stories - I think it's an important time for us as communities to be supporting that!”

The mystery element of the Mystery Theatre project is a result of necessity. 

Faced with a shortage of venues for September, New Vintage sought out proposals back in March from company members who had an idea for a self-produced show that would allow them to challenge themselves artistically in a non-traditional venue.

The details of the venue are kept secret and fully revealed once tickets are purchased.

The first two of New Vintage’s mystery plays took place at Big White earlier this year, and upcoming shows by Bonnie Gratz and CJ Wilkins will also be found at different surprising venues around Kelowna.

But first you must check out The Russian Play and Essay. You will not want to miss these two compelling plays by a stand out team of artists. That is no mystery.

P.S. Bring a friend or two.

Tickets for New Vintage Theatre’s plays The Russian Play and Essay by Hannah Moscovitch are available at www.selectyourtickets.com or Prospera Place ticket office. Text 778-214-1456 to find out more details about this event.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.