Two different plays highlight the work of the graduating theatre class.
Once again theatre fans can enjoy multiple plays, as George Brown students put on their end of year productions.
Running on alternating days from April.7 to 18, Picnic at Hanging Rock and The Parliament of the Birds share the same cast while exploring themes of truth, identity and self-discovery. Though different in style and story, both productions aim to leave audiences thinking long after the curtain falls.
The first production, Picnic at Hanging Rock, follows a group of schoolgirls whose trip to a remote Australian rock formation turns into a haunting mystery. The play avoids clear answers and instead invites viewers to form their own interpretations of the unexplained disappearances.
“Anyone can think their own ways of what happened,” said Jonny Ingley. “Everyone has their own kind of story, and I think that’s a pretty beautiful thing.”
In contrast, The Parliament of the Birds offers a more spiritual journey. Inspired by a centuries-old Sufi poem, the production follows a flock of birds searching for meaning, belonging and a deeper understanding of themselves.
“It’s really about standing by what I believe and fighting for what I love and what I want. Being open to, like, new ways of seeing things, but really believing in what is true to me,” said Cédric Brouillette.
The dual production has challenged the cast to move between two very different styles. From learning multiple accents in Picnic at Hanging Rock to working with movement, music and a large ensemble in The Parliament of the Birds, the experience has pushed students outside their comfort zones.
“We’ve never worked with, you know, a director with this kind of process before. Just incorporating like movement and working with like music in the background, and working like as one unit has been like a challenge, but also very fun to play with,” said Bianca Soskic. “It hasn’t been confusing. It’s been a lot of fun, because you don’t get bored, like, with just playing one character and because they’re so different.”
As graduating students, these performances also mark an important moment. For many, it is the last time they will work together before moving into the professional world.
Soskic notes the bittersweet goodbyes that will be had, not long after the plays wrap.
“This is the last time that I get to work with these people, like in the school. It’s the final hurrah. And that’s really beautiful.”
At their core, both productions reflect the same message. The search for identity is ongoing, and uncertainty is part of the journey.
Picnic at Hanging Rock runs April 7 to 18 and The Parliament of the Birds runs April 8 to 18 at George Brown Polytechnic.
For more information, visit: http://www.georgebrown.ca/mainstage
