Tag Archives: Live Theatre

Culture

Be A Part Of The Sanderson Centre This Season

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The Sanderson Centre has many incredible performers headlining shows this season. BE A PART OF IT! Mixed in with our headlining shows you will find some of this country’s best performers in exciting concerts, family and school programming, matinees, holiday classics and even shows that bring our own community onto the stage.

Their lobby series continues this season with three fascinating artists in conversation and two musical performances that you will be talking about for days afterward. Find out more by clicking on the 2018 2019 SEASON image to the right.

Supplemental- The warm history behind last year’s 100 Year Sanderson Centre Anniversary.

 

Travel

Warm History Behind Sanderson Centre 100th Anniversary

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temple theatre brantfordOpened as the Temple Theatre on December 22, 1919, the centre was originally designed as a vaudeville and silent movie house. Opening night premiered with five acts of vaudeville and the silent movie “Heart of the Hills” starring Mary Pickford. As one of the premiere theatres in Canada at the time, the Temple was a “first-run” film house attracting films from all the major distributors.

The local orchestra members started collecting promotional photos of the acts who performed at the theatre and glued them to the walls, the doors, and the sides of their sheet music cabinets. Many of these photos were salvaged during renovations of the orchestra pit and are on display throughout the lobbies today, along with photos of our more recent performers.

The Temple Theatre was renamed the Capitol in the early 1930s. For fifty-seven years, the theatre entertained moviegoers, and occasionally drew up her movie screen to be used again as a stage. As the years passed, attendance waned and in August 1986, the final movie “One Crazy Summer” was shown at the Capitol Theatre.

temple theatre3The vision of reopening the theatre as a performing arts facility was born and was met with fantastic support from local citizens. The Brantford Heritage Theatre Foundation spearheaded a highly successful fundraising campaign for the restoration and renovation of the Capitol Theatre. The first performance was Evita on October 2, 1986, tickets sold out quickly and two more performances were added. On December 11, 1989, the theatre was renamed the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts, a tribute to the memory of the Sanderson family known for their generous support of local causes.

The original ceiling mural (shown above this article’s title) was reproduced aided by ghost images which remained and historical photographs. It is believed the mural is titled “The Three Muses” depicting Greek goddesses who preside over literature, sciences, and the arts. Canada’s premiere performer Anne Murray officially opened the newly restored theatre on September 8, 1990, with a gala presentation.

In June, 1991 the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts was proud to be awarded the prestigious “Theatre Preservation Award” presented by the League of Historic American Theatres. The Sanderson Centre joins a select few authentically restored historic facilities including Carnegie Hall in New York and the Elgin Winter Garden Theatres in Toronto.

sanderson centre marqueeAmid the grandeur of 1919, the theatre inspires all to treasure the past and cherish the present. The Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts, together with the Sanderson Centre Foundation, continues to honour our heritage. We invite you to enjoy the archival collection of photographs and memorabilia showcased in the lower lobby.

As we approach our 100th anniversary there will be many celebrations and events during the year.

sanderson centre modernization

Culture

Shakespeare’s Star Wars. A mash-up play in a pub, this is.

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Not so long ago, in a pub not so far, far away.........
Not so long ago, in a pub not so far, far away………

A long time ago, in 1977, Star Wars started its quick and never-ending ascent to the top of the science fiction film genre.  How many people alive when the original Star Wars: A New Hope was released thought that our children (and for some, grandchildren) would still be wanting to be Darth Vader or Luke Skywalker for Halloween? It is a rare child in Canada who has not owned a lightsaber.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Shakespeare.

There are people who look forward to watching or reading Shakespeare about as much as they look forward to car repairs. Shakespeare can be seen as highbrow art which does not make sense. Why would someone watch a movie or play in an almost different language?

This is where Driftwood Theatre Group brilliantly played their hand. Using a book by Ian Doescher called, “William Shakespeare’s Star Wars,” Driftwood brought Star Wars geeks to play with Shakespeare lovers.

Everyone on both sides of the fence was blown away (no pun intended, poor Alderaan and Death Star).

Lines from Star Wars plays were eagerly anticipated, by some who were on the edge of their seats (One thing’s for certain, we’ll all be a lot thinner). But when those infamous lines were said, it had dramatic and, yes, Shakespearean flair (One thing is certain, we shall thinner be).

And there was laughter – from everyone!

There were also famous lines from Shakespeare plays which made Shakespeare lovers happy, (I bite my thumb at you, sir! Alas, poor stormtrooper, I never knew thee. Friends. Rebels, Starfighters, lend me your ears!)

Purse? check. Comfortable shoes? check. Inflatable lightsaber? check.
Purse? check. Comfortable shoes? check. Inflatable lightsaber? check.

It was also the formidable acting in the show which raised the play to mountainous heights. It was performed as a reading, with all actors reading directly from the book.  It was enticing, enthralling, and highly entertaining. Dion Johnstone, who played a fantastic Han Solo, withheld laughter to the point where he looked like he would lose it, but never really did.

This play was a fundraiser for Driftwood Theatre. The evening included the reading, a silent auction, costume contest (sad point of the night, there were very few people in costume – it is Halloween time, people!).

The highlight of the night, for very lucky people, was the auctioning off of 3 walk-on role, Rebel, Imperial, or Interesting Creatures in the play. We (yes, I was a lucky one) were able to say such lines as, “UTINI!” and “This is a consular ship…” and, “Why aren’t you at your post?” I was Jawa #2 and the Innkeeper at Mos Eisley.

Star Wars Live Pub Theatre

It was a truly incredible experience, watching Star Wars and Shakespeare geeks unite for 3 hours of Shakespeare/Star Wars bliss.   For the Silo, Stephanie MacDonald. @mytimeatlast

Art

Terezin,MacDougall and Hana’s Suitcase- So What’s the Connection?

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Definition of art is very difficult to pin down.  As an oil painter I look at art one way.  An actor would think of it another way.  But really the definition doesn’t matter all that much.  Art surrounds us wherever we are, if only we choose to see it.  Sometimes though, we need to be reminded of that.

When I entered the concentration camp at Terezin in the Czech Republic that November day, the last thing I thought I would see was art.  I didn’t know that the children who lived there drew pictures, coloured them, and even wrote poems.  But there they were.  The paintings and words hung up on the museum wall. The wall was at least 50 feet high.  They had miraculously survived Terezin, even when the children themselves had not.  I stood in front of that wall for a long time, hesitant to leave.  Afraid that maybe I would need reminding again once I was back home.

Fast forward a year and Terezin has touched my life again.  Hana’s Suitcase, which is set in Terezin, is being presented by Theatre Norfolk and COMPASS Theatre Productions, in partnership with W. Ross MacDonald School for the Blind, and I had the opportunity to meet the cast and talk about my experiences at Terezin.  I also had the opportunity to watch renowned actor and director Lee MacDougall guide the cast of talented local and emerging actors through the paces of this emotional, heart wrenching play which took me right back to that wall.

Silo Behind the Scenes: Rehearsal of Hanna's Suitcase

In this play child actors play some of the main characters.  Hana was sent to Terezin when she was 11.  This play is being performed for over 1200 students in Grades 4-12; Children teaching children and because this play is for everyone; children teaching adults.  It speaks to hatred and intolerance.  It also speaks to hope and beauty.  It’s amazing how children are able to see both at the same time.  I wonder when we, as adults, forget how to do that.

I hope that you will take the time to see Hana’s Suitcase and be reminded of all the things that you should never forget while watching art at its finest.

Hana’s Suitcase, adapted by Emil Sher based on the book by Karen Levine, is being presented at W. Ross MacDonald Auditorium Dec. 2nd, 3rd & 4th.  Tickets are on
sale at Scotia Bank, Lynden Road, and at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre.  For more info and to purchase tickets visit Silo Direct Link to Theatre Norfolk Website

By Karen Wilson.  Silo Direct Link to Karen’s artsco Gallery Page

Designed by Dean Gailbraith of Picasso Fish
Art

Politics in The Arts- Are Canadians Concerned With Art Funding?

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During the Federal elections [circa 2011 Ed], it became clear that the Canadian public interest in an arts and cultural policy had declined since 2008, in fact the majority responded that this policy was unimportant to them in comparison to other policies. This leads me to question the degree of concerns Canadians do have with other policies. Perhaps the overall concerns are too great to allow a focus on more fun or abstract facets of their Canadian lifestyle such as arts and culture, or it may simply be that Canadians overall would rather engage with more mainstream topics.

It is interesting yet disconcerting to see that it is mainly the younger population, ages 18-30, that are the least interested in the arts and culture policy. If the younger generation doesn’t fuel the arts and keep them flourishing who will? In their (or our) defense though, little awareness about the policy and its impact is made known. Personally, I had never heard of an arts and cultural policy before reading the article critiquing the different Government parties’ role in the policy as discussed in The Arts Advocate publication.

The policy involves the government allotted a specific percentage of taxes that go towards varying sectors within the arts, for example advantages for artists or funding for different organizations. Each federal party has their different views on appropriate expenditure in the arts and culture sector, and specifically our Conservatives’ main commitment is to the children’s artistic activity tax credit, support to the Royal Conservatory of Music for a national examination program, and support to the Canadian Periodical Fund (Used to subsidize newspapers not including The Silo. Check the info box found on the bottom of page 2 in most papers to see if you are subsidizing their bottom line- CP).

With the Conservative party now being back in power, it is hard to say if the policy will see any positive growth. Although I understand and admire Harper’s plan to stabilize and improve the markets in the depths of a global recession, I feel it necessary to include arts and culture as a part of this. Canada has such a unique combination of cultures throughout its provinces and these are the people who create and work at the jobs Harper is trying to develop or advance.

So, should not this rich arts and culture naturally be showcased as it is echoed throughout the Canadian business world Harper is focused on? I believe Canadians on the whole would appreciate more recognition for their creative efforts that make our country special. Yes we need economic growth, but there needs to be a balance in the funding between businesses and the arts in order to make for a balanced country and to account for or showcase the people who inhabit it.

It is positive to note that the 2011 Ontario budget indicated spending at Tourism and Culture would grow $76 million.

The estimates confirm that $47 million of this is to continue support of the Community Cultural Fund (used to support local ‘big crowd’ draws such as last year’s Port Dover Marine Festival- http://www.ocaf.on.ca/en/project.aspx?ProjectUID=985 or 2005’s Norfolk County Fall Festival- http://www.ocaf.on.ca/en/project.aspx?ProjectUID=884 -CP), the small-scale (!) capital program administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation to support diverse cultural organizations. As well, the Ontario Media Development Corporation will be permanently funded, showcasing the province’s commitment to the film sector of the policy and estimates show an increase of $8 million to $25.8 million. Although the Conservative platform for the policy is the most bleak of the Bloc Quebecois, Liberal, and NDP, perhaps a strengthened economy will help to account for areas our country’s arts and culture are struggling in.

In their platform it is stated that our “Government believes that a vibrant cultural, media, and sporting sector is crucial for our well-being and quality of life,” however many artists and cultural advocates still feel that the re-elected Conservatives will fall short in fulfilling the essential aspects of the policy and hearing the voices of those affected.  For the Silo, Jennifer Waslowski.

 

 

Gaming, Vintage

Mourning The Macho Man

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“Oh yeah”

Back in the mid 80’s, my high school buddies and I would travel every month or so from Simcoe to the Brantford Civic Center to get our fill of WWF wrestling.  It was great because in those days they used to do the TV taping right there in Brantford  for broadcast all over North America.  It was usually a long night of about 3 hours of wrestling for 3 different TV shows.  For $5 it was the best entertainment value around.  Sometimes the matches would drag on.

Harley Race and Nikolai Volkoff were not exactly the most captivating performers, but we would endure them waiting for something to peak our interest.  I’ll never forget the night a new wrestler was introduced to us.  The ring announcer welcomed him as Randy ‘Macho Man’ Savage.  Out he came in a garish, metallic robe which reflected the television lights in a million directions.  He had a maniacal look on his face and he revealed the craziest wild eyes when he finally removed his dark ski-goggle type sunglasses.  His matted hair was held back by a colourful headband and he sported an unruly beard.
Once in the ring, he took off the robe to reveal not the plodding weightlifter type body we were used to seeing, but the more sinewy muscularity of an athlete.  We, the veteran and savvy fans, took this new guy and his ring entrance with a grain of salt.  “Macho Man”?  Really?  “Who calls themselves the “Macho Man”?” we thought.  At that time our only reference to a Macho Man was voiced by a pop group named the Village People, and that was just plain challenging for a group of adolescent high school boys. So we watched on with wary eyes.  The bell rung, the match started, and then the Macho Man turned into a human whirlwind.

He raced around the ring delivering all his moves with expert efficiency, but at a hyper-speed we had never seen before.  He threw his man out of the ring, darted up to the top turnbuckle and came down hard onto the opponent’s backside with a double axe handle.   He then threw the poor sod back in,  picked him up and body-slammed him to the centre of the ring and jumped back up onto the top turnbuckle as quick as a cat.  What was he going to do now?  He raised his arms and pointed his fingers up high towards the arena roof and paused for a moment while the crowd held its collective breath.  Then….he leapt.  Sky-high into the air he launched, coming down with devastating force into the chest of his opponent with what would become his signature move, the Flying Elbow.  One, two, three, and it was all over in the blink of an eye.  We were awestruck.  A star was born.  After that display of wrestling awesomeness, it goes without saying that we were now all charter members of the Macho Madness fan club.

Savage’s “Oooooyyeeaaah” catch phrase and white-hot interviews would solidify his character, and his lovely manager Elizabeth would provide the eye candy which surely helped propel him to the highest heights of wrestling stardom.  Whenever his entrance music, “Pomp and Circumstance” hit, the excitement level dialled up to a fever pitch.  He would become a multi-time WWF champion and face off against Hulk Hogan in the top money-drawing program of the day.  His crowning achievement was likely his match against Ricky Steamboat at Wrestlemania 3 in what is widely regarded as one of the best wrestling matches of all time.

Randy Savage, real name Randy Poffo, died tragically in Florida last month after having a heart attack while driving his car and then colliding with a tree.  He leaves us at the too young age of 58. I know my buddies and I are not the only ones out there missing him.  I’m sure some of you have your own favourite Macho Man moments.

Maybe you should have a stroll down memory lane and check out some Macho Man on Youtube  In my mind, he was thegreatest of all time. John McIntosh is a favourite writer for The Silo.