Blog Archives
New Article in Theatre Research In Canada/Recherches théâtrales au Canada
I am pleased to announce that my article, “The Hierarchy on It’s Side Becomes a Circle: The Directing Practices and Mentorship of Yvette Nolan” has been published in TRIC/TRAC 44.1.
Abstract
This article explores the directing practice of Algonquin and Irish theatre artist Yvette Nolan. Though Nolan is best known as a playwright, this article instead focuses on Nolan as “mentor to a generation of artists” and a significant contemporary theatre director whose interventions into inherited, colonial theatre practices warrant dissemination and discussion. The article explores her directing practice using three major themes: 1) values, process, and who is in the room; 2) food and joy and/as Ceremony; and, 3) vision and excellence. Working to situate hirself relationally as per Indigenous research practices, the non-Indigenous author uses original interviews, existing scholarship, and personal experiences collaborating with Nolan to inform this personal reflection on her practice.
Cet article porte sur la pratique de mise en scène d’Yvette Nolan, artiste de théâtre d’origine algonquine et irlandaise. Nolan est surtout connue comme dramaturge, mais cet article se consacre plutôt à son rôle de « mentore de toute une génération d’artistes » et de metteuse en scène contemporaine dont les actions visant les méthodes théâtrales héritières de la colonisation gagnent à être diffusées et étudiées. L’article envisage son approche à partir de trois thèmes principaux : 1) les valeurs, le processus et les personnes présentes dans la salle ; 2) la nourriture et la joie en lien avec la cérémonie ; et 3) la vision et l’excellence. Afin de se situer sur le plan relationnel dans le contexte des pratiques de recherche autochtones, la personne allochtone qui a rédigé cet article s’appuie sur des entretiens originaux, des recherches existantes et ses expériences personnelles de collaboration avec Nolan pour alimenter sa réflexion sur la démarche de l’artiste de théâtre.
Huge thanks to Yvette Nolan for working with me so generously on this article.
If you have trouble accessing this article (no access through a library, for example) please contact me through Embrace Theatre.
New article in Comedy Studies
I’m delighted to share that my article “Red-Nosed Fantasies of the Future: a framework for social justice-informed performance creation in the Mump and Smoot Lineage of the Pochinko tradition of clowning” has been published in the journal Comedy Studies!
Abstract: This article contextualises a specific lineage of the Pochinko tradition of clowning – which the author refers to as the Mump and Smoot Lineage – before offering an analysis of Judith Butler’s argument for the necessity of fantasy in social change. Putting these two analyses into dialogue, the article offers provocations and theories as to how clowning might provide a fruitful avenue for social justice-motivated fantasy as it is described by Judith Butler. The paper asks and offers responses to two central questions. Firstly, how might understanding clowning’s relationship to social justice pursuits be of use to those creating clown performances? Secondly, how can the practice and craft of the Mump and Smoot Lineage of the Pochinko Tradition of Cowning (MSLPTC) work in service of social justice aims? The author argues that the methodologies of this lineage do not require great alterations to work in meaningful service of social justice aims; the use of a message to the world, the focus on imaginative embodiment, and many of the lineage’s rules are easily deployed in service of social justice-oriented creation. In making these assertions, the author articulates a hope for further research into clowning and its intersections with social justice practice and also that clown practitioners might use their existing practices to further social justice goals.
NOTE: If you do not have institutional access of face other barriers to accessing this, please contact me through Embrace Theatre.
Published Article
I invite you all to read this essay I wrote in which I argue for changes in how we think of and speak about theatre directors. I welcome your thoughts!
Lumsden Beach Camp
Last month I had the distinct pleasure of taking a trip to Lumsden Beach Camp and leading a theatre workshop with the youth staying there.
I was invited to stay the night and do some creation in the lovely surroundings of the camp. Below are some photos of the great Saskatchewan beauty with which I was surrounded while doing my work.
Thanks to the folks at the camp for their support and their hospitality!
2015 SATAward Nominations
I am honoured to have been nominated for a Saskatoon and Area Theatre Award again this year – and in a new category (for me)! I am humbled to be nominated for Outstanding Lighting Design for my work on Two Corpses Go Dancing (Two Unruly Gentlemen/Live Five). I’m in very good company: my classmate Jared Beattie, my collaborator (including on Two Corpses) Will Brooks, Ami Farrow, Kenilee Kelher, and Guido Tondino (very talented artists all).
Congratulations to all the nominees in every cattegory – many of whom I am pleased to count among my collaborators, mentors, and friends. See you all at the gala on September 28th!
Here are some photos from Two Corpses Go Dancing:
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- Two Corpses Go Dancing (Two Unruly Gentlemen/Live Five)
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- Two Corpses Go Dancing (Two Unruly Gentlemen/Live Five)
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- Two Corpses Go Dancing (Two Unruly Gentlemen/Live Five)
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- Two Corpses Go Dancing (Two Unruly Gentlemen/Live Five)
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- Two Corpses Go Dancing (Two Unruly Gentlemen/Live Five)
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- Two Corpses Go Dancing (Two Unruly Gentlemen/Live Five)
Magnetic North
Today was a travel day. I left Saskatoon at 5:30 this morning and am now safe and sound in Ottawa for the Magnetic North Theatre Festival. I’m so excited to be here to take a workshop, take in some great shows, and discuss theatre with colleagues from around the world.
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- Sunrise over Saskatoon.
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- A view of the river from behind the Parliament Buildings.
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- My dinner. Not a bad way to end the day!
SATAward Nomination
I am so proud and humbled to have been nominated for a Saskatoon and Area Theatre Award for Achievement in Directing for my work on Stop Kiss. That play received 3 other SATAward nominations (Outstanding Performance (Female) for Jenna-Lee Hyde, Outstanding Set Design for Jenna Maren, Outstanding Sound Design for Gilles Zolty. My collaborators Jenna Maren, Angela Kemp, and Dakota Hebert (on Stop Kiss, Stop Kiss and Saskatchewan Outdoors respectively) were also nominated for Outstanding Emerging Artist. Congrats to all the nominees! The awards ceremony takes place at the end of September!
Compass Points at Magnetic North
Hi folks! I’ve just returned from Halifax where I participated in the Compass Points Program for Emerging Artists at the Magnetic North Theatre Festival. I met a lot of great people and saw many wonderful pieces of theatre.
The whole experience has left me inspired to deepen my practice as an artist and to get back to work on Saskatchewan Outdoors: A Touring Play for Families. To see when this show will be in a community near you, click here!
Members of Compass Points 2014.
Article: Working with Established Artists as an Emerging Artist
Hey folks,
I wrote an article for Saskatoon’s Theatre Blog entitled Working with Established Artists as an Emerging Artist. Check it out if you have some time!
Robots Eating Humans
Thanks to all who came out last night to see Trick or Treat presented by Theatre Howl. You have one more night to catch the scares of two locally-written plays produced in Saskatoon homes! It’s been a blast playing Loner with such a fun team. Hope to see you tonight (and at Nino’s on Broadway after the show for a closing celebration!).
Charlie Peters 