Trinity Western’s School of the Arts, Media + Culture is inviting the public to watch some of Langley’s up and coming theatre talent at the New Generations Theatre Festival.
Running Jan. 30 to Feb. 3, the festival features three diverse productions that are written, directed and performed by TWU students.
This year’s shows — Fight or Flight, Mr. Big and Hugo’s Haunting — focus on relatable themes dramatized in highly unique ways, from the quirky to the down-right kooky.
“I think that little drop of absurdity really makes our show,” said communications student Becca Carsience, who plays character Iris in Hugo’s Haunting, a play about an elephant in the room.
“It’s what drives the humour. And it’s so relevant. Everyone knows what it’s like to fear something and need courage enough to go for it.”
It’s a theme that is also echoed in Fight or Flight, said director and communications student Cheyanne Makelki.
“No one is free from fear — we are all fearful of something, but it’s what you do with that fear that defines you. The exciting thing about this show is how relatable the characters are.”
New Generations stars Becca Carsience, Amani Charlie, Reece Doppenberg, Keltie Gardiner, Amaris Henry, Allie Howard, Paul McComber, Tasha Magnan, Micah Morgan and Nyssa Morgan.
Rachel Van Vliet is the festival stage manager. Elim Ha, Laura McCrum and Abigail Seidle are the rehearsal stage managers.
The plays run Tuesday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Call 604-513-2188 or book online at twu.ca/theatre.
ABOUT THE PLAYS:
Fight or Flight | By Joelle Wyminga, directed by Cheyanne Makelki
Adam and Blaire meet in an empty airport terminal. He is going to serve in Afghanistan; she is going to Europe. Months later, they meet again, facing fears neither expected to be confronting.
Mr. Big | By Emmett Hanly, directed by Corben Dunn
Leon was implicated in the murder of his employer a year ago. But he has an alibi, and so, the case has remained unsolved. When two strangers working for mob boss “Mr. Big” approach the hapless Leon with a job opportunity, truth and justice collide in surprising ways.
Hugo’s Haunting | By Trevor McMahan, directed by Mikayla Wust
Hugo has been having nightmares about an elephant. Terrifying, scream-inducing nightmares. He is convinced the elephant is trying to kill him. When the elephant appears in his awake reality, will Hugo have what it takes to avoid a grisly outcome? A comedy of gargantuan proportions.
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