In 1980, founding Artistic Director Elsa Bolam had the vision to create a company that offered excellent live performance to young people in communities near and far, to give opportunities for emerging and established artists to create and work together, and to bring the unique impact of theatre to families; inspiring them to come together and reflect on the world they live in. 40 years later, Geordie has become one of the most important Theatre for Young Audiences companies in Canada, reaching over 2.5 million young people, and building upon a dream of strengthening community through enchanting theatre.
It is an honour to welcome you to this milestone season! Throughout this past year, we have all struggled together but have found ways to make connections during unimaginable times. As we all work to recover and understand how we can collectively move forward, we will continue to ensure safety around all our activities and be attentive to the shifts that may come along the way.
In the spirit of looking forward and upward this season, we are excited to celebrate the incredible friends and partners we have made along the way while championing new voices and stories that are urgent to be heard and seen. On behalf of everyone at Geordie, we thank you for your commitment and trust in our mission, and we promise to continue working on ways of making our connections even stronger. This year will be one that uplifts us, makes us laugh, challenges us, and invites us to a world that celebrates the impact of working together and community!
Happy Anniversary!
Mike Payette
Artistic & Executive Director, Geordie Theatre
February 3 – 6, 2021
IT’S BACK!!!
This special event gives all ages the chance to discover great works in Theatre for Young Audiences with staged readings in collaboration with the National Theatre School of Canada, our acclaimed 2Play touring shows (The Little Mighty Superhero and Celestial Bodies) on the main stage, as well as activities for the whole family to enjoy, curated by Geordie Theatre School.
One night, Max and his imaginary friend, Jayson (aka the Little Mighty Superhero), share in their bedtime ritual of re-enacting the story of the Bakunawa, the moon-eating water dragon. But this night is different, and Max misses his Lola who used to tell him the same story whenever he was afraid of the dark. When Max and Jayson discover that the moon in the sky is gone, the two go on a wild adventure to the underworld where they are met by a travelling Ferryman, the powerful Bathala, and the infamous Bakunawa, only to discover that as Max’s courage grows, Jayson begins to disappear.
The Little Mighty Superhero is a heartwarming, wonderful journey of a young boy’s quest to stand up to his fears and finding the bravery it takes to make hard decisions. At the core of this vibrant and visual play is the reminder that every adventure is more memorable when you can share it with someone you love.
Credits:
Written by Marie Barlizo
Directed by Liz Valdez*
Cast: Douglas Peerless, Wahsonti:io Kirby, Alyssa Angelucci-Wall
Set and Costumes by Eo Sharp
Sound Design by Rob Denton
Sound Consultants: Maddie Bautista, Kim Bince Villagante
Tour Manager: Rebecca Durocher
Production Manager: Haylee Tucker
Technical Director: Elly Tomasson
Illustration: Camac Studio
Ages 5+
Saturday, February 6th
12:00 pm EST
Stella, a fast-thinking (and even-faster-talking) teenager, has barely even started high school, and she’s already over it. Obviously, the best course of action is to lay low and hope that no one notices that she’s an awkward, clinically anxious space-nerd. But when that plan goes supernova and explodes, she scrambles to cope with totally normal teen challenges, like bullying, casual binge eating, and… accidentally becoming an ice hockey goalie? Armed with supportive but questionably effective advice from her moms (a consummate peacemaker and a pep-talking former Olympian), as well as the unwavering enthusiasm of a high-energy classmate, some surprisingly astute coaching from her somewhat obtuse crush, and a good dog named Oort Cloud, can Stella find the genuine pleasure of existing in a physical body in a world that wants to shame her for the body she has? Interrogating the way bodies are approached as a problem to be fixed, Celestial Bodies is one girl’s cosmic journey to truly owning, literally and metaphorically, the space she occupies.
Credits:
Written by Jacob Margaret Archer
Directed by Mike Payette
Cast: Wahsonti:io Kirby, Alyssa Angelucci-Wall
Set and Costumes by Eo Sharp
Sound Design by Rob Denton
Tour Manager: Rebecca Durocher
Production Manager: Haylee Tucker
Technical Director: Elly Tomasson
Illustration: Camac Studio
Ages 12+
Saturday, February 6th
– 3:00 pm EST: With ASL interpretation. Performed by Wahsonti:io Kirby
– 5:00 pm EST: Performed by Alyssa Angelucci-Wall
April 30 – May 8, 2021
Ages 6+
Adapted from the Governor General award-winning children’s story by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault and published by Kids Can Press
Adaptation by Cole Lewis
Images by Clelia Scala
Directed by Mike Payette
Virginia is in a “wolfish” mood — growling, howling, and acting very strange. It’s a funk so fierce, the whole household feels topsy-turvy. Her sister Vanessa tries everything she can think of to cheer her up, but nothing seems to work. Then Virginia tells her about an imaginary, perfect place called Bloomsberry. Armed with an idea, Vanessa begins to paint the bedroom walls, transforming them into a beautiful garden complete with a ladder and swing. So that what was down could climb up. Before long, Virginia, too, has picked up a brush and undergoes a surprising transformation of her own.
Virginia Wolf is a poetic telling of what it is to deal with sometimes unwanted emotions. Playful in nature and rife with creativity and wonder, this heartwarming play reminds us of the importance of patience, support and love.
For more information regarding discounted or group rates,
Contact Violette at 514 845 9810 or by emailing info@geordie.ca
Geordie Theatre is located on the unceded Indigenous lands of the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Tiotià:ke (known as Montréal) has existed as a meeting place of many First Nation peoples, including but not limited to the Abenaki , Anishinaabeg (Algonquin), and the Huron-Wendat. We extend our deepest respect to the elders of these communities and to all Indigenous peoples who carry the history of this island’s land and waters – caring for it and calling it home. We are honoured and privileged to share stories on this land.
We wish to also acknowledge that we are grateful to those seeking sustainable solutions to our global climate crisis, so that we may continue to inspire and challenge our audiences near and far.