The Opera Queen

Tag: radio interview

Sound + Vision

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On June 29, 2009

In opera

I spent a busy day conducting interviews, for both radio and video.

First up, interviews related to upcoming Fringe productions. The sheer range of works on offer this year is incredible -everything from Moliere to improv is on offer, taking in topics as vast as school violence and interpersonal relating.

I also spoke with folks from Driftwood and Clay and Paper Theatre Companies, respectively, about their upcoming works. There’s so much going on in the city this summer, it’s overwhelming. My advice? Go with whatever hits your heart and stirs your curiosity. Just make sure you tune in. ;-}

Radio Interview Schedule:

Between Sea & Sky
–Krista Dalby, Assistant Artistic Director, Clay and Paper Theatre, June 30th

The Sicilian
–Nicolas Billon, adapter + Lee Wilson, director –Fringe Festival, July 1st

Brother, Can You Spare Some Pants?
–The Williamson Playboys (Paul Bates + Doug Morency), performers –Fringe Festival, July 2nd

Lockdown
–Leonie Forbes, performer –Fringe Festival, July 3

Shades in Bloom
–Gemma Wilcox –Fringe Festival, July 6th

King Lear/The Comedy of Errors
–The Bard’s Bus Tour -Jeremy Smith, Artistic Director, Driftwood Theatre Company, July 8th.

All radio interviews are broadcast on CIUT‘s morning show, Take 5, which airs Monday to Friday, 8am to 10amET. As well as arts stuff, the show features really good live music and cool conversations with local newsmakers.

Now, onto the video. There are many more coming up in the next few weeks, but you can find the latest one here.

I really don’t understand why Odets isn’t performed more. When it’s done right (as in this production, by Soulpepper, on now) it’s really, really beautiful, and extraordinarily moving.

Also: William Webster was the greatest King Lear I have ever seen. Ever. He was wonderful in Awake & Sing! too -he really broke my heart in the best way. Oh, & is also a truly lovely person. It was a treat to speak with him and Miles Potter, whose work I have admired for so very, very long. The chance to speak with so many people I admire is sometimes… overwhelming. I mean, today I interviewed David French. Gosh, I love my job.

Enjoy the vid. More to come in the next wee while.

Take 5 Interviews -Linky Goodness

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On February 15, 2009

In interviews

I’m still searching for a way to get my Take 5 interviews into some kind of widget, so I can stick a nice little player on the side of this blog, as well as my blog over at Myspace, but in the meantime, here’s a link to interviews I’ve done recently with Erin Karpluk, Emm Gryner, Bill Nowlin, and George Stroumboulopoulos. You don’t have to listen to all of them; just choose which file you want from the list.

More to come soon.

Girl Soldiers

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On January 30, 2009

In opera

When people think of warfare, images of fatigues, guns, and tanks come to mind. Taken for granted is the gender of the soldiers. But female soldiers do exist. Really.

Colombian director/ playwright Bea Pizano explores this fascinating reality in her new work, La Communion. It’s being read as part of this year’s Groundswell Festival put on by Toronto’s Nightwood Theatre. La Communion portrays the experiences of a young woman who’d been kidnapped by guerillas at the age of twelve. It isn’t just based on imagination, either; Pizano actually met and spoke with several women who’d been kidnapped and forced to be part of Colombian guerilla groups during their childhoods.

Bea Pizano talks about women, drama and warfare, tomorrow on Take 5.

Just after 9amET.

Listen local: 89.5FM
or
Online: ciut.fm
Click the “listen live” button on the top right.

Community radio.
Worldwide community.

Staging Stranger

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On January 28, 2009

In interviews

The popular Albert Camus novel L’Etranger tells the story of Mersault, who kills an Algerian man and is put on trial. It’s been adapted for film, and has influenced music and pop culture since its publication in 1942.

Toronto’s Praxis Theatre Company has transferred L’Etranger to the stage, where it’s become Stranger, a collectively-adapted work exploring the themes of Camus’ work with some contemporary touches.

Thursday morning on Take 5, I’ll be speaking with Stranger’s director and Praxis’ co-Artistic Director, Simon Rice, just after 9amET.

Local: 89.5FM
or
Online: ciut.fm
click “listen live” on the top right

Enjoy!

Docu-Drama

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On January 21, 2009

I always marvel at the ability to be able to write strictly for voice, building narrative and shaping tone through sonic means alone. The power of sound can’t be underestimated. It’s something I was reminded of lastnight when I received word that a radio documentary I’d made in 2006 is going to made available online.

Two-and-a-half years ago, I made a trip overseas to see my father. I made a documentary about my experience that aired later that year across Canada on CBC Radio One. It was a part of Outfront, which focuses on personal stories.

“Lanyod” (Hungarian for “daughter”) has been chosen as being among the best of Outfront documentaries, and I’m pleased to announce that it’s available for download at the program’s website this week:

http://www.cbc.ca/outfront/podcast.html

The documentary’s taken on a different meaning for me since my father’s passing this past December. The power of sound has taken on a whole new significance, too. I may never write a radio drama -but then, I’m reminded with “Lanyod,” that I was already part of my own real-life one.

Enjoy.

Previewing Groundswell

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On January 20, 2009

In opera

The Next Stage Festival may be wrapped up for another year, but Toronto’s theatre scene is hopping. The Groundswell Festival, celebrating Canada’s incredible female playwrights, kicks off January 26th at the Berkeley Theatre.

Wednesday morning I’ll be speaking with one of the writers featured at this year’s fest: Florence Gibson.

Originally trained as a medical doctor, Gibson is known for her powerful portraits of family and relationships. Her new work, Augury, revolves around the 1879 abortion trial of Emily Stowe, one of Canada’s most important historical figures.

Tune in, just after 9am ET.

Toronto local:
89.5FM

or

Listen live online:
http://ciut.fm

Click the “listen live” button on the top right.

http://take5.fm

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