EDEN by Hope McIntyre
April 27 to May 13 2012
Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm
Asper Centre for Theatre and Film (at the University of Winnipeg, 400 Colony Street).
Tickets are $18 adults and $12 students/seniors
www.sarasvati.ca or reserved at 586-2236.

EDEN is an epic play beyond the scope of anything Sarasvàti Productions has tackled before. With a multi-generational, multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural perspective, it is no wonder that EDEN has been seven years in development following writing grants awarded to its playwright Hope McIntyre. Audiences will finally be able to see the product of years of development as the world premiere of EDEN runs at the Asper Centre for Theatre and Film April 27th – May 13th.

EDEN combines the style of writers Caryl Churchill and Harold Pinter with its futuristic political bent. It is an exciting piece not only due to its epic nature, exploring three generations of characters in a futuristic dystopia, but also due to the large cast size and unique production demands. It is an interdisciplinary theatre experience which pulls from many cultural backgrounds. Above all it is a puzzle where the truth is explored from many vantage points.

“As a writer it is an amazing journey; to finally see the piece coming to fruition is like watching a dream take shape,” says Artistic Director and playwright Hope McIntyre. “The seed for this play was born after 9/11 in watching the use of fear tactics to justify the abuse of human rights. It frightened me to think where that could lead us as a society.” EDEN is set in a dystopian future and focuses on two 15-year olds who have inherited a world built on lies and manipulation. It is a powerful exploration of truth and justice, but also weaves in the reality of how marginalized groups are blamed for the world’s troubles, in this case the First Nations population who have been relegated to living underground in the play.

Sarasvàti Productions is extremely excited about the artistic team assembled for the world premiere. At the helm will be local favourite Sharon Bajer. We are extremely pleased to have Sharon on board as director. She just returned from two seasons at the Stratford Festival in the Michael Langham Workshop for Classical Direction and most recently appeared in August: Osage County with Martha Henry. Rick Chafe, whose play The Secret Mask was recently staged at Prairie Theatre Exchange to rave reviews, has been working as dramaturg over the last few months.

Due to the fact that the story is told through three generations, the cast includes a mix of established actors well-known on Winnipeg stages and new faces. The show features: Kevin Anderson, Andrea Del Campo, Kevin P. Gabel, Ti Hallas, Marsha Knight, Tracy Penner, Steven Ratzlaff and Tom Soares. Rounding out the artistic ensemble is a strong design team including set designer Kim Griffin, lighting designer Dean Cowieson, costume designer Kelsey Noren, sound designer Chris Coyne and Jordan Popowich creating the video component of the play.

Click here for full bios or check out the promo video.

The workshop and development of the play was supported through the Winnipeg Arts Council New Creations program and the premiere is being supported by the Manitoba Arts Council.

Friday, April 27 8pm Opening
Saturday, April 28 8pm
Sunday, April 29 2pm Pay What You Can Matinee
Wednesday, May 2 8pm
Thursday, May 3 8pm
Friday, May 4 8pm
Saturday, May 5 8pm
Sunday, May 6 2pm Pay What You Can Matinee
Wednesday, May 9 2pm Special High School Matinee
Wednesday, May 9 8pm
Thursday, May 10 8pm
Friday, May 11 8pm
Saturday, May 12 8pm
Sunday, May 13 2pm Pay What You Can Matinee

Click here to purchase tickets by credit card or reserve by calling 586-2236.

www.sarasvati.ca