About Theatre Inconnu
Theatre Inconnu was born in 1978 as a creative venture by Katya Kern – Aho and Clayton Jevne, who together co-created and performed the troupe’s plays. For the first nine years the company – with Katya and Clayton at the helm – toured their unique blend of theatre, puppetry, and clowning in Canada and in Europe. In 1987 The troupe established itself in what is now considered it’s “legendary” 50-seat Market Square cavern theatre space in “Olde Towne” Victoria, BC. Joining the company at this time, sculptor and performer Henry Aho became an integral third member of the creative team, and for the next four years they orchestrated a number of theatre/puppetry extravaganzas that blended the collective performing and plastic artistic skills of the three creators. In 1991, Katya and Henry left the company to pursue artistic endeavors elsewhere in Canada and abroad (with return engagements at Theatre Inconnu). At this time Clayton welcomed Ian Case as an artistic partner while the company shifted its focus onto live theatre, with the periodic incorporation of puppetry and mask. This artistic partnership lasted until 1996 and saw the beginning of the inclusion of an annual summer Shakespeare Festival as part of the company’s seasonal work. As a high profile event (moving to a giant tent in Victoria’s Inner Harbour), the Shakespeare Festival stood in contrast to the on-going intimate, alternative theatre offerings that the company continued to produce in it’s Market Square basement venue. In 2002 Clayton retired the company’s Shakespeare Festival mandate and shifted the focus of Theatre Inconnu back onto intimate/alternative theatrical production; as well as maintaining an on-going touring presence in Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Europe. Leaving the company’s Market Square home, Theatre Inconnu relocated to Victoria’s historic Fernwood neighbourhood: becoming the resident theatre company in the heritage designated 80-seat Little Fernwood Hall. This historic building has been outfitted and renovated to make it one of Victoria’s most exciting venues in which to experience the richness of intimate theatre. In 2004, Graham McDonald was invited to become the new “permanent member” of the Inconnu creative family. As current Associate Artistic Director he works with Artistic Director Clayton as the company continues to map out season after season of exciting and challenging plays and events. To date Theatre Inconnu has brought Victoria audiences over 100 productions, covering all genres of theatre and methods of presentation.
