Theatre Collingwood is celebrating the wisdom that comes with age in a one-night only, Toronto Fringe Festival hit on World Senior Citizen's Day.
On August 21, Theatre Collingwood presents Disarming Venus, a show written and performed by Act 3 Theatre, celebrating the love, beauty and wisdom of older women.
In Disarming Venus thirteen older, professional, female actors share their unique perspectives on love, beauty and aging during a visit to a Venus exhibit at the art museum. Working with the mythology of Venus from de Milo and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, to the tragic story of Black Venus, Act 3 Theatre mines the historical and social constructs that continue to shape the lives of women as we age.
Written individually and devised collectively, each scene is as unique as the visitors to the gallery, weaving together a blend of comedy, drama, music, and even puppetry. The performance is recommended for ages 16+.
Among the fierce and creative actors on stage will be:
- Nina Keogh - acclaimed puppeteer of “Mr. Dress Up” and “Today’s Special,” and a producer of the multi-award-winning documentary “Mr. Dress Up -The Magic of Make Believe”
- Rita Shelton Deverell - actor, writer, producer and Order of Canada and Governor General’s Award recipient
- Beth Anne Cole - Carnegie Hall singer and Stratford Festival performer
- Dawn Obokata - international performer
- Michele George - a founding member of Peter Brook's International Centre for Theatre Research in Paris
- And also including: Marni Walsh, Jorie Morrow, Tricia Williams, Julie Burris, Heather Cherron, Linda Joyce Nourse, Morrie Sinkins and Anastasia Kokolakis, along with drama doula, Marianne McIsaac.
“We are so excited to be involved with this program and presenting this amazing group of senior women,” said Erica Angus, executive director for Theatre Collingwood in a news release. “The challenge we face, though, is the lack of accessible performance space in Collingwood. Not only are these ladies seniors, some with mobility issues, but with a large cast there is no space that has an appropriate backstage space to accommodate them properly, and so Theatre Collingwood is having to create spaces, once again.”
The show takes place Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. at Simcoe Street Theatre in Collingwood. To book tickets call 705-445-2200 or shop online at www.theatrecollingwood.ca.
