The University of Winnipeg’s Department of Theatre and Film celebrates the power of story in selections from 365 Days/365 Plays by acclaimed African-American Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks.
The chosen pieces explore human connection, communication, and a rewriting of history.
Hope McIntyre
This collection of plays has a unique beginning. In 2002, Parks – the first African-American woman to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama – challenged herself to write a play a day for a year. She began that very day, completing her challenge a year later, resulting in the collection, 365 Days/365 plays. According to her website, it has since been “produced by more than 700 theatres worldwide, creating one of the largest grassroots collaborations in theatre history.”
From February 9 – 13, selections from this collection will be performed by The University of Winnipeg’s Acting III: Honours class, directed by faculty member Hope McIntyre.
“The chosen pieces explore human connection, communication, and a rewriting of history, all while using humour as well as pop culture parody,” said McIntyre. “Theatre is all about a connection in time and space. Now more than ever we need creative outlets and the power of story.”
The production features set and lighting design by faculty member Adam Parboosingh and costume design by student Kate George. All technical work is done by both junior and senior production students.
Parks is an African-American playwright, screenwriter, musician and novelist known for rich language, symbols, and metaphors that allow the audience to examine preconceived notions. In her essay, Elements of Style, she said “Words are spells which an actor consumes and digests – and through digesting creates a performance on stage.”
Following strict health and safety protocols, UWinnipeg’s nine-member, socially distanced cast will perform on-location at the Asper Centre for Theatre and Film. Although performed live by the ensemble, audiences will be tuning in from offsite to safely watch the performance via livestream.
365 Days/365 Plays livestreams Tuesday, February 9 through Friday, February 13 at 7:30 pm each evening. Everyone is welcome and admission is free, but reservations are required.
Visit UWinnipeg’s Department of Theatre and Film website or call the 24-hour Reservation Line at 204.786.9152 to reserve your ticket and receive a link to the performance.
For more information contact Hope McIntyre (director and faculty member) at h.mcintyre@uwinnipeg.ca or Melinda Tallin (office manager) at m.tallin@uwinnipeg.ca.
Content warning: The performance includes mentions of war and violent crimes.
Based in the Asper Centre for Theatre and Film at The University of Winnipeg, the Department of Theatre and Film offers concentrations in acting, design, drama in education, filmmaking, playwriting, and production/stage management. Faculty is comprised of highly respected and award-winning professionals who are experienced teachers and remain active in their disciplines, bringing relevant and up-to-date instruction to students.
