In this innovative adaptation, the renowned playwright transforms the classic Waiting for Godot into a comedic exploration that deepens its existential themes. Featuring a cast of three men, the play maintains the original's thought-provoking questions while infusing humor, offering a fresh perspective on the human condition and the search for meaning.
The play is a celebrated black comedy that has gained international acclaim since its 1996 premiere. It has been staged across North America and Europe, including notable Off-Broadway and London productions. Recent performances featured Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis, directed by the playwright himself, showcasing its enduring appeal and versatility in various theatrical settings.
As Morris Panych’s latest comedy opens, we hear Iris, a precocious girl of ten, saying: “These are the last few days of my childhood.” The death of her goldfish, Amal, she is sure, has been announced by the air-raid sirens during the day’s school drill. For Iris, there remain a few more days of life in a universe that is inherently ordered, where the spirit of her departed and ritually interred goldfish can, of course, be re-incarnated in a lost and amnesiac drifter given to rhetorical questions of seemingly deep philosophical import.Iris’s terminally depressed parents, trapped within the nostalgic desires of their own lost youth, are oblivious to how the child’s eye view of their daughter works and what it sees. They remember too well their own loss of innocence as they abandoned themselves to the existential chaos of adulthood. The middle-aged family boarder has spent years in a frustrated search for any kind of gratification, immediate or otherwise, at the Legion after a full day’s work in the fish cannery.It is into the goldfish bowl of this dysfunctional family of lethargic piranhas, existential bottom-feeders and aggressive guppies that the audience peers with incredulity, acute recognition, hysterical laughter, and an overwhelming sense of the creative healing power of the imagination.Cast of three women and two men.Winner of the 2004 Governor General’s Award for Drama.
Edgerton Foundation New Play Morris Panych, The Shoplifters (Winner)In this riotously funny new comedy from Morris Panych, we meet Alma, a seasoned career shoplifter who prefers the five-finger discount over some lousy seniors’ day deal. But it’s not just an empty wallet that leads Alma to a life of petty crime – it’s also her strong convictions about social justice and economic inequality.Along for the ride is Phyllis, Alma’s frazzled accomplice who lacks her mentor’s cool demeanour and snappy comebacks. It’s Alma who does the talking when the pair is apprehended at the grocery store by Dom, an overzealous rookie security guard. Guided by the strictness of his born-again Christian belief, Dom is ready to handcuff the culprits and call the police, but his affable senior partner, Otto, intervenes with a more sympathetic view of the “It’s just a couple a steaks.” As Alma, Phyllis, Dom, and Otto share their wildly different takes on the situation, complex views on morality and ethics begin to emerge.With its cast of oddball characters, Panych’s comedy offers biting observations about society’s haves and have-nots and how much they might actually have in common.Cast of 2 women and 2 men.
Exploring the theme of "trading places," this dark comedy delves into the uncomfortable truths of everyday life. With a cast of two women and three men, the narrative promises to challenge societal norms and provoke thought while delivering humor.
Doyle navigates the challenges of eavesdropping on the private thoughts and secrets of those around him, leading to humorous and awkward situations. With a cast of just one man, the story explores themes of privacy, connection, and the complexities of human relationships through Doyle's unique ability.
Set against the backdrop of a winter tour, the story delves into the complex relationships and tensions among six musicians whose romantic entanglements lead to both humor and chaos. As they navigate their intertwined lives, the narrative reveals the darker sides of love and ambition, showcasing the challenges of creativity amidst personal conflicts. The blend of comedy and drama highlights the intricacies of their connections, making for a captivating exploration of passion and dysfunction.
This collection features updated adaptations of three classic comedies, showcasing sharp wit and humor. "The Government Inspector" satirizes bureaucracy and corruption, while "Hotel Peccadillo" explores the misadventures in a quirky hotel setting. "The Amorous Adventures of Anatol" delves into romantic escapades with a comedic twist. Each play offers a fresh take on timeless themes, making them accessible and entertaining for modern audiences.
In a gripping tale of intrigue, fifteen-year-old Lowell faces the challenge of unraveling a mysterious murder that puts his truth-shaping abilities to the test. With a cast of five characters—three men and two women—the story delves into themes of deception and the search for justice, as Lowell navigates the complexities of the case and his own moral compass.