We acknowledge and respect the Lekwungen-speaking Peoples on whose traditional territories Theatre Inconnu presents its work.
This summer and early fall, we are presenting three exciting one-act plays. These are pay-per-view productions filmed in our regular venue to give you as much of a live theatre experience as possible.
James Johnson has penned a dark 60-minute comedy capturing the angst-ridden process of putting oneself “out there” in order to get the role! This is the Canadian premiere of this British hit.
Internationally renowned, award winning writer (and Victoria’s own!) Rachel Wyatt has created a wonderfully human look at the social make-up of our community, as barista Jared serves both coffee and support to his eclectic clientele in the world-premiere of this 45-minute heart-warming solo performance.
Acclaimed Canadian playwright Erin Shields has crafted a suspenseful and poetic journey of one woman’s self-reflection on how her life has been shaped by those around her.
The Canadian premiere of James Johnson’s one-act (50-minute) dark comedy, The Audition, is every actor’s audition nightmare come to true! AND it is also a universal and powerful statement on the responsibilities of those in positions of authority, and the consequences when the power inherent in that position is abused. Lauren, the innocent young actor, is hoping this just might be the audition that will lead to her big break. Her auditioner, Stella – the director from hell – holds the key to the door of opportunity. Those “in the biz” may recognize the outrageous (and sometimes pushed to extreme) paces that Lauren is put through, while others will gain a dramatic insight into the challenges and absurdities that can take place during an audition. How far will an actor go to get the role? And how far can Stella push Lauren before Lauren decides to push back?
“It is a ferocious two-hander which pushes the actors to extremes.” The Barefoot Review, USA “a powerful piece of theatre.” www.one4review.com, UK “a powerful examination of manipulation, mind games and psychological warfare.” Glam, Australia
Directed by Branden Sugden Featuring: Sophia Radford and Emily Trepanier
Produced by arrangement with Stagescripts.com (UK) The show is 50 minutes in length.
Content advisory: partial nudity, strong language, simulated violence Possible triggers: discussion of sexual violence and pedophilia, depiction of gun violence, depiction of physical abuse/violence, depiction of psychological abuse, discussion of self-harm and suicide, depiction of drug abuse, and references to alcoholism.
Ticket purchase and Online Access for Viewing This production will be available for online pay-per-view access from our website: Available July 10 through August 1 (2021)
Ticket price is just $7 (for a 24-hour access period starting from the moment of purchase) You will pay (by credit card) on the day you wish to see the show, and you will have a 24-hour window in which to view The Audition.
Please note: This is not a live-streaming event. It has been pre-filmed in our home venue, the Paul Phillips Hall.
Internationally acclaimed writer Rachel Wyatt has penned Jared – a new one-act (45-minute) comedy – especially for Theatre Inconnu. The world premiere of this insightful one-actor play captures the hopes and trepidation of a young man on the verge of committing to an exciting, yet challenging, life path. Jared is a 30-year old struggling actor currently working as a barista in a modest coffee bar. As his regular customers enter and leave, his on-going musings – as he carries out his tasks – provide a rich and heartfelt snapshot of what it means to be human. At times we laugh along with Jared at the eccentricities of his customers, and at others, we share his sincere concern over their respective struggles. All the while, we are gaining an appreciation of Jared’s own struggle as he prepares to break free from a life in which he can offer – like any good “bar-tender” – a sympathetic ear and cheerful pick-me-up for others, to a life in which he can begin to realize his own dreams. This play will leave you with a full heart and a cheerful tear in your eye. To add to the magic, the play will be “accompanied” by a series of delightful character drawings done by the performer, Rudy Smith.
Directed by Clayton Jevne Performed by Rudy Smith
Rachel Wyatt is one of Canada’s most beloved authors, and is the recipient of the Order of Canada, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Rudy Smith is a recent graduate of the Victoria Academy of Dramatic Arts and is also an accomplished graphic artist. Clayton Jevne has headed Theatre Inconnu since its inception, and has functioned as director, actor, or designer for scores of production.
Ticket purchase and Online Access for Viewing from July 22 through August 15 (2021)
Ticket price is just $7 (for a 24-hour access period starting from the moment of purchase) You will pay (by credit card) on the day you wish to see the show, and you will have a 24-hour window in which to view Jared. (But remember, you can only purchase you viewing window on the day you wish to view the show.)
Please note: This is not a live-streaming event. It has been pre-filmed in our home venue, the Paul Phillips Hall.
The viewing of this show is over. Thanks to all who logged in!
Theatre Inconnu is proud to present this new one-woman play by one of Canada’s most exciting new playwrights! You may remember Erin Shields’ name from Theatre Inconnu’s previous production of her powerful play, If We Were Birds. WithUnit B-1717Shields delivers an insightful glimpse into the human mind and spirit. This time she uses the simple action of cleaning out a storage locker as the catalyst for the “woman” to confront current and past characters from her life, and situations that she both abhors and relishes. All this, in a spontaneous process of searching for an underlying meaning to her experiences. Shields has a unique ability to create – in tandem – comedy and suspense. As this was in If we Were Birds, so it is in Unit B-1717.
Actor Melissa Blank is no stranger to tackling challenging roles at Theatre Inconnu, and we know that you will find her portrayal in this production as multi-layered as her previous outings on our stage. Director David MacPherson (also a Theatre Inconnu veteran) has uniquely directed this production both as a stage play and as one crafted for a virtual presentation. This hybrid approach will bring you back to our “home” in Fernwood, while delivering the intimacy that the camera allows. Playwright Erin Shields is a Canadian playwright, who has written more than a dozen plays including: If We Were Birds (Governor Generals Award 2011), The Millennial Malcontent, Instant, Mistatim and The Lady from the Sea.
You will pay (by credit card) on the day you wish to see the show, and you will have a 24-hour window in which to view UNIT B-1717. This is not a live-streaming event. It has been pre-filmed in our venue, the Paul Phillips Hall.
