The madcap collection of events that make up the Belfry Theatre’s SPARK Festival represents some of the best new theatre currently emanating from Canada, ranging from a challenging production featuring a Juno Award-nominated rock musician to a monologue from one of Canada’s foremost playwrights and actors.
“We bring in companies from all across Canada so Victoria gets a chance to see the latest and great of what’s happening in Canadian theatre,” said Valerie Houle, company manager for the Belfry. “It’s outside of the mainstage shows we do, so it’s a really great variety.”
The festival mainstage gets underway tonight with True Crime, a one-man play featuring Torquil Campbell of Montreal rock favourites Stars and fellow musician Julian Brown. Programming of various and voluminous stripes, including pre-performance mini plays and professional development workshops, continues in all areas of the Gladstone Avenue hub through March 25. True Crime (March 8-10) and Who Killed Spalding Gray? (March 13-17) — an acclaimed piece by Governor General’s Award-winning playwright and actor, Daniel MacIvor — are joined on the slate by Why We Are Here! (March 12), Mouthpiece (March 13–17 ), Café Daughter (March 20–24), Tomorrow’s Child (March 20 – 24), and Belfry 101 Live (March 25).
Houle and her Belfry collaborators are proud to offer such a festival that provides a new and exciting take on the way theatre is presented in Victoria. “SPARK is an opportunity to get people in the building that wouldn’t normally be here. It’s so different than running one show. That’s what is so great. During the two weeks, the building is always full.”
Due to the quality of the programming, some performances are already sold out, while others will be prior to showtime. For up to date information, visit Sparkfestival.ca. Ticket discounts are available for students, where applicable.
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