Michael Ondaatje is one of Canada’s most acclaimed and honoured writers. Ondaatje’s collage of cotemporary accounts, folklore, and original poems on Billy the Kid conjure up an undeniable human experience from an unlikely source. In this stage adaptation – recently developed by Mr. Ondaatje in association with Pittsburgh’s Quantum Theatre – the most notorious and mythical ghost from the American Midwest frontier is brought to life through narrative, song, and poetry. This production marks the Canadian premiere of this adaptation from the Governor-General awarding winning book that both glorifies and vilifies William H. Bonney.
“Theatre Inconnu succeeds completely… a must-see, is chock-full of humanity, fun and music — not to mention bona fide artistry… The writing is remarkable… this show is brimming with life and song… moments of incandescent loveliness… Exactly the right tone is captured, a slippery balance of humour and pathos… entertaining as all get out. For the man or woman who has everything, tickets to The Collected Works of Billy the Kid might well be the perfect gift.”
Times Colonist – Adrian Chamberlain
“It has guts and passion, dancing, foot stomping… plenty of shooting…you watch Ondaatje’s language come to life. Kudos to the whole cast… rollicking, quirky, and unexpectedly delicious… a collaborative piece… all do stellar work”
CBC On the Island – David Lenam
“Theatre Inconnu ends their incredible 2013 season… actions and words are heightened and emphasized; ordinary occurrences take on a tinge of the unusual and macabre… we revel in Ondaatje’s glorious language. This sparseness – of word, action and design – hints strongly at the environment that birthed the legend – the desert and high sierra… Theatre Inconnu continues to astonish… Bravo to the direction, cast and crew of Billy the Kid for finding new ways to tell old stories with bravado and vulnerability, and never accepting the status quo.”
I Have My Own Life to Live – Janis Lacouvee
Directed by Clayton Jevne
Assistant directed by Blair Moro
Performed by Cam Culham, James Roney, Melissa Blank, Mollison Farmer, Brin Porter, and Michelle Mitschrich
Costumes by Kat Jeffery
Set by Robert Randall
Previews: Nov 26 @ 8pm
Then –
8pm: Nov 27, 28, 30, Dec 3, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14
2pm: Nov 30, Dec 1, Dec 7, 8, 14
Regular priced tickets are $14 / $10 Students, Seniors, and the unwaged
Preview on Nov 26 is $7
Thursday Nov 28 is pay-what-you-can
Tickets & Reservations
Through TICKET ROCKET: Get your tickets online, over the phone, or in person.
ticketrocket.org / 250-590-6291
Melissa Blank and James Roney
Season Tickets here!