One of our frequent patrons brought this poem to our attention as a tool to process A GOOD WAY OUT. The poet, Bud Osborn, was a community organizer and advocate for disadvantaged people living in Vancouver's downtown east side. "Excruciations of Compassion" comes from Bud Osborn's collaboration with visual artist Richard Tretault SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
Excruciations of Compassion
what do you do
when “the most hated man in
society”
is the only man you knew
who loved you
and was your ganster-hero-stepfather
but molested your sister
and was convicted of raping a 9-year-old
girl?
or what do you do when a woman accused of
“flaunting contempt for the moral laws
on which our society ultimately rests”
accused in a full page sensational
suicide and sex scandal
What do you do
when this most evil woman
is your mother?
or what do you do
when the killer who shot your grandmother in
the heart
is her daughter and your aunt
who turned the gun on herself?
well
it’s a hell of a lot easier on me
to condemn some monster/alien/stranger
and revel in self-righteousness
than to have
these excruciations of compassion
and suffer with
the most hated humans
the most immoral women
the most extreme violence
in a scary and confusing
solidarity with the socially damned
that burns so furiously
in my blood
Bud Osborn
Thursday, October 13, 2016
a good way out | bud osborn
Labels:
2016-2017 Season,
A Good Way Out,
Pacific Theatre
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
a good way out | more photos
A GOOD WAY OUT returns this evening at 8:00 pm. We have 5 performances left until the show closes. Here are some more production photos!
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
a good way out | review photos part 2
We're in our closing week of A GOOD WAY OUT! Here are some more photos from the show taken by Damon Calderwood.
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Monday, October 10, 2016
happy thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving from our Pacific Theatre family to yours! Our office will be closed today but we will re-open tomorrow at 10:00 am and we look forward to hearing from you!
Friday, October 07, 2016
a good way out | review photos part 1
Not sure what do to for Thanksgiving weekend? How about take a friend to A GOOD WAY OUT. We've added a matinee performance on Sunday at 2:00 pm! Stay tuned for more photos!
Wednesday, October 05, 2016
a good way out | student & senior night
Did you know Wednesdays are student and senior night at Pacific Theatre? That's right! If you are a student or senior, you can see one of our fabulous shows for just $20! What's even better? It's Wednesday today!
*$20.00 tickets plus tax and ticket fee.
Tuesday, October 04, 2016
a good way out | sunday matinee
Typically our shows run Wednesday to Saturday, but we've decided to spice it up a bit this year and add a handful of Sunday matinees! What does this mean for you? Well, this Sunday, October 9th you can sleep in, go to church, have lunch AND see A GOOD WAY OUT, written by our talented operations manager, Cara Norrish. For tickets call our box office at 604.731.5518. See you this Sunday!!
Monday, October 03, 2016
a good way out | matt reznek photos
Look at the amazing shots Matt Reznek took of the A GOOD WAY OUT cast! The show runs until October 15th. Come check out this fabulous new play!
Friday, September 30, 2016
a good way out | artist talkback
Please join us for the artist talkback immediately following tonights performance of A GOOD WAY OUT!
Thursday, September 29, 2016
a good way out | production photos
Labels:
2016-2017 Season,
A Good Way Out,
Pacific Theatre,
Photos
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
sept 23-Oct 1 | catching fire: the musical
Co-general manager, Frank Nickel and many familiar PT performers have been working hard to bring you, CATCHING FIRE: THE MUSICAL. Be sure to check them out at studio 1398 tonight until Saturday, October 1st.
Catching Fire: The Musical by Mark Vandenberg is the hilarious sequel to last year's Vancouver Fringe smash hit Hunger Games: The Musical. Based on the Suzanne Collins novel and its successful film, this pop culture parody continues the story of Katniss Everdeen as she defies the Capitol, plays with Peeta's heart and belts out songs in the style of Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande.
** If you missed the show last year, we'll catch you up with a show-stopping recap of Hunger Games: The Musical.**
Tickets purchased online $20 + fees
Tickets at the door (if available) $25
Fri Sep 23, 8:00 PM
Sat Sep 24, 8:00 PM
Sun Sep 25, 2:00 PM
Wed Sep 28, 8:00 PM
Thurs Sep 29, 8:00 PM
Fri Sep 30, 8:00 PM
Sat. Oct 1, 2:00 PM
Sat Oct 1, 8:00 PM
Catching Fire: The Musical by Mark Vandenberg is the hilarious sequel to last year's Vancouver Fringe smash hit Hunger Games: The Musical. Based on the Suzanne Collins novel and its successful film, this pop culture parody continues the story of Katniss Everdeen as she defies the Capitol, plays with Peeta's heart and belts out songs in the style of Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande.
** If you missed the show last year, we'll catch you up with a show-stopping recap of Hunger Games: The Musical.**
Tickets purchased online $20 + fees
Tickets at the door (if available) $25
Fri Sep 23, 8:00 PM
Sat Sep 24, 8:00 PM
Sun Sep 25, 2:00 PM
Wed Sep 28, 8:00 PM
Thurs Sep 29, 8:00 PM
Fri Sep 30, 8:00 PM
Sat. Oct 1, 2:00 PM
Sat Oct 1, 8:00 PM
sept 29-oct 15 | a few good men | theatre in the country
Our friends at Theatre in the Country are producing A FEW GOOD MEN, opening this weekend. They also have auditions coming up for their upcoming production of MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET.
A Few Good Men
by Aaron Sorkin
September 29th to October 15th
You can't handle the truth!
The story of military lawyers at a court-martial who uncover a high-level conspiracy when a rookie Navy lawyer is assigned to defend two Marines on trial for the murder of one of their platoon members. He expects a plea-bargain, and a cover-up of what really happened. But, prodded by a female member of his defense team, the lawyer eventually makes a valiant effort to defend his clients and, in doing so, the play raises the questions of what it means to have honour, dignity and humanity in an increasingly complex world.
For tickets and info visit their website.
A Few Good Men
by Aaron Sorkin
September 29th to October 15th
You can't handle the truth!
The story of military lawyers at a court-martial who uncover a high-level conspiracy when a rookie Navy lawyer is assigned to defend two Marines on trial for the murder of one of their platoon members. He expects a plea-bargain, and a cover-up of what really happened. But, prodded by a female member of his defense team, the lawyer eventually makes a valiant effort to defend his clients and, in doing so, the play raises the questions of what it means to have honour, dignity and humanity in an increasingly complex world.
For tickets and info visit their website.
a good way out | a moment with the playwright
We recently sat down with playwright, Cara Norrish as she discussed her processes in developing A GOOD WAY OUT. Here are some of her thoughts regarding the show.
I was inspired to write this play when someone I loved passed away. I was a child and this was the first person to die where I understood what that truly meant. Maybe this happens to everyone when death inevitably materializes around them but it deeply affected me. I saw this person as funny, caring and compassionate but there was a dark side to them that was kept hidden from me. This play is an exploration of that dark side.
I have always been slightly afraid to write this play, to go there, to that place where these dark thoughts lived. I’m happy I went there because what I found is beautiful and I think it is a story worth telling. The fear came from the idea that this person would become flawed in my mind and that I would see them the way many people see gang members. However, I was able to see them as a complete person through this process. As a dark, complicated individual who was still the funny, caring and compassionate person I remember.
This play is about what pushes us as human beings. How far will we go to protect and provide for the ones we love. It means the world to me to have my first professional production be at Pacific Theatre. It is my home and my family. -Cara Norrish
A GOOD WAY OUT resumes tonight at 8:00 pm. For tickets call our box office at 604.731.5518.
I was inspired to write this play when someone I loved passed away. I was a child and this was the first person to die where I understood what that truly meant. Maybe this happens to everyone when death inevitably materializes around them but it deeply affected me. I saw this person as funny, caring and compassionate but there was a dark side to them that was kept hidden from me. This play is an exploration of that dark side.
I have always been slightly afraid to write this play, to go there, to that place where these dark thoughts lived. I’m happy I went there because what I found is beautiful and I think it is a story worth telling. The fear came from the idea that this person would become flawed in my mind and that I would see them the way many people see gang members. However, I was able to see them as a complete person through this process. As a dark, complicated individual who was still the funny, caring and compassionate person I remember.
This play is about what pushes us as human beings. How far will we go to protect and provide for the ones we love. It means the world to me to have my first professional production be at Pacific Theatre. It is my home and my family. -Cara Norrish
A GOOD WAY OUT resumes tonight at 8:00 pm. For tickets call our box office at 604.731.5518.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
marilynne robinson at regent college
"Calvin says somewhere that each of us is an actor on a stage and God is the audience. That metaphor has always interested me, because it makes us artists of our behavior, and the reaction of God to us might be thought of as aesthetic rather than morally judgemental. I think it suggests how God might actually enjoy us.” Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson
On March 7 and 9, 2017, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Marilynne Robinson will give the Laing Lectures at Regent College. I read Gilead some years ago, and it is a remarkable novel. I'm going to re-read it in anticipation of hearing her, then continue with Home and Lila, all three of which take place in the same world.
You may remember that President Obama did an interview with Robinson a year ago, which was published in two parts in The New York Review Of Books, here and here. It's also available as a free audio download at iTunes. That a sitting president would undertake an in depth conversation with a writer speaks volumes about both president and writer.
Not surprisingly, the Regent bookstore has lots of her titles in stock, including the hard covers pictured above at sale prices. Worth a trip to the UBC campus.
On March 7 and 9, 2017, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Marilynne Robinson will give the Laing Lectures at Regent College. I read Gilead some years ago, and it is a remarkable novel. I'm going to re-read it in anticipation of hearing her, then continue with Home and Lila, all three of which take place in the same world.
You may remember that President Obama did an interview with Robinson a year ago, which was published in two parts in The New York Review Of Books, here and here. It's also available as a free audio download at iTunes. That a sitting president would undertake an in depth conversation with a writer speaks volumes about both president and writer.
Not surprisingly, the Regent bookstore has lots of her titles in stock, including the hard covers pictured above at sale prices. Worth a trip to the UBC campus.
a good way out | responses
“ Corina Akeson has a tough role as Joey’s sister who hopes to bring her brother back into the Christian fold. It’s a nicely nuanced performance that steers clear of preachiness although it could easily go that way... Terrific performances every one and a haunting production of an unsettling new play. Developed by Pacific Theatre, A Good Way Out doesn’t show us or Joey a good way out but it definitely illustrates how one dysfunctional family leads the desperate and vulnerable to seek refuge in another, even more destructive one.” | Jo Ledingham
“And, under Anthony F. Ingram’s direction, the performances in this production are strong. It’s a particular pleasure to watch Carl Kennedy (Joey) playing scenes with Corina Akeson (Lynette); both are such honest, responsive actors.” | Colin Thomas
"This is as good as dramatic theatre gets! Don’t expect to come away with a song in your heart and a lightness in your steps. Plan on feeling every wrenching emotion you can imagine. This is reality for real people." | Linda (audience response)
“…if you like theatre to be gritty and hard-hitting – this might be for you.”
“The play’s narrative, offers a believable insight into the ruthless business of organised crime, showing us that not everyone involved benefits from the proceeds.” | John Lane
“A Good Way Out is a story about choices. In life, we all have them and sometimes we make bad choices. It’s a reminder that no matter how hard life can be, if we just take a look around there may just be a better way, a better choice. And if not, we need to look for it, before we end up making a bad one.” | Fun! Fun! Vancouver
“If it wasn’t for the fact Cara Norrish’s A Good Way Out is based on real-life events, it would be easy to dismiss as another privileged view into a world most of us have little knowledge. What she gives us though, in this world premiere at Vancouver’s Pacific Theatre, is a raw exploration of gang life that is at times as surprising as it is brutal...Leading the way is an absolutely transformed Andrew Wheeler. Tattoos on his neck and arms, in his Harley vest and bandana, Wheeler is virtually unrecognizable…his hold on the people around him is believable, and sometimes downright frightening... A Good Way Out is an unflinching view into gang life. It is buoyed by a great cast and writing that is as at times as surprising as it is real…convincing audiences to take a chance on unfamiliar work can be tough. You should take this chance.” | Mark Robins (Vancouver Presents)
"Very well acted and very intense. I feel all the actors were bang on with their characters that they were playing. Bravo to all of them. Would see it again and recommmend this play. For sure." | Lorna and Michael Albanese (audience response)
2016 ICWP 50/50 applause awards
We are so excited to announce Pacific Theatre has been awarded the Applause Award for theatres companies that produce seasons of plays with at least 50% female playwrights! Other Vancouver companies are Shameless Hussy, Mitch and Murray, and the Firehall. Check out the celebration video below and help us congratulate all the talented female playwrights.
oct 7-16 | the concierge of vancouver | ian farthing
PT board member, Ian Farthing is directing a show! THE CONCIERGE OF VANCOUVER opens October 7th and runs until October 16th. Rumour has it you get to enjoy free gelato on opening night!
Vancouver’s housing crisis is big news right now, so it’s very apt that Matchmaker Productions’ newest show is a comedy about the issue.
Playwright Shaul Ezer’s The Concierge of Vancouver follows the story of an unassuming Concierge in an upscale condo building, who also works for a reclusive donor who gives away millions each year to fund worthy causes. But when a tenacious reporter starts to make links between this donor and dodgy dealings at a large bank, things start to get a little complicated for the poor Concierge.
Director for this world premiere is PT Associate Artist Ian Farthing, who recently returned to Vancouver from 10 years running the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival in Ontario. “I’m always excited to work on a brand new play – but I don’t think I’ve ever worked on a piece that is so current. It seems like every day there’s a new story in the media on the issue. It feels like the timing for a satire on it is perfect.”
Vancouver’s housing crisis is big news right now, so it’s very apt that Matchmaker Productions’ newest show is a comedy about the issue.
Playwright Shaul Ezer’s The Concierge of Vancouver follows the story of an unassuming Concierge in an upscale condo building, who also works for a reclusive donor who gives away millions each year to fund worthy causes. But when a tenacious reporter starts to make links between this donor and dodgy dealings at a large bank, things start to get a little complicated for the poor Concierge.
Monday, September 26, 2016
a good way out | opening night photos
Some shots from opening night of A GOOD WAY OUT last Friday! Thanks to everyone who came out and made it an incredible opening weekend!
Thursday, September 22, 2016
sept 24 - oct 15 | a good way out
Please join us in celebrating the world premiere of A GOOD WAY OUT, by Cara Norrish! We open tomorrow, September 24th @ 8:00 pm.
A GOOD WAY OUT
By Cara Norrish
Sept 23rd - Oct 15th
Wednesday - Saturday @ 8:00 pm
*Saturday matinees @ 2:00 pm
**Sunday, October 9th matinee @ 2:00 pm
Tickets:
604.731.5518
$23.95-$34.95
Box Office Hours:
Tuesdays 12:00 - 4:00 pm
Wednesday to Saturday 12:00 -7:00 pm
A GOOD WAY OUT
By Cara Norrish
Sept 23rd - Oct 15th
Wednesday - Saturday @ 8:00 pm
*Saturday matinees @ 2:00 pm
**Sunday, October 9th matinee @ 2:00 pm
Tickets:
604.731.5518
$23.95-$34.95
Box Office Hours:
Tuesdays 12:00 - 4:00 pm
Wednesday to Saturday 12:00 -7:00 pm
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