Theatre

Tottering Biped Theatre is celebrating its tenth anniversary with Shakespeare, physical theatre, Canadian drama, and long summer evenings beneath the open sky. The company returns to Dundurn Castle National Historic Site with its Shakespeare by Nature series, offering four family-friendly productions in and around the Cockpit Theatre during the second half of August.

At the centre of the anniversary season is William Shakespeare’s ROMEO AND JULIET, presented Tuesday through Saturday evenings from August 18 to 29 at 7:00 p.m., weather permitting. Directed by Alma Sarai, the production features 13 returning company members and technicians who have contributed to Tottering Biped’s work over the past decade.

ROMEO AND JULIET remains one of the best-known love stories in Western theatre. Two young people from opposing families meet, fall in love, and attempt to build a future together despite the violent feud that surrounds them. Their private relationship quickly becomes entangled with family loyalty, public conflict, and a series of choices made in moments of fear, passion, and desperation.

Sarai’s production focuses on choices and their consequences, examining what may be written in the stars and what is created through human action on Earth. Although audiences know where the story is heading, the play’s urgency comes from watching its characters repeatedly approach opportunities to change course. Each decision brings Romeo and Juliet closer together while also drawing them toward tragedy.

The grounds of Dundurn Castle provide an atmospheric setting for Shakespeare’s tale. Rather than sitting inside a conventional theatre, audiences can experience the play outdoors as evening settles over the historic property. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, bug spray, an extra layer of clothing, and a picnic to share with friends and family.

Tottering Biped’s anniversary season includes more than its main Shakespeare production. Artistic Director Trevor Copp returns with KID’S MIME SHOW FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES on Sunday, August 23 and Sunday, August 30 at 7:00 p.m., weather permitting. The mime presentation is designed for audiences of all ages and follows the enthusiastic response to the company’s children’s programming last summer.

Two staged readings of significant Canadian plays will also explore Shakespeare’s continuing influence on contemporary theatre.

On Monday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m., director Raymond Louter leads a staged reading of Timothy Findley’s ELIZABETH REX. First produced in 2000, the play is set in 1601 on the night before Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex, is executed for treason.

Queen Elizabeth I seeks distraction among an acting company led by William Shakespeare. Her encounter with the performers develops into a series of intimate confrontations about gender, power, performance, love, and the public identities people must construct in order to survive. The reading will feature returning Tottering Biped artists and will have limited seating inside the Cockpit.

On Monday, August 24 at 7:00 p.m., Trevor Copp directs a staged reading of Ann-Marie MacDonald’s GOODNIGHT DESDEMONA, GOOD MORNING JULIET.

MacDonald’s celebrated comedy follows Constance Ledbelly, an overlooked academic who believes Shakespeare’s OTHELLO and ROMEO AND JULIET were originally comedies. Constance is unexpectedly transported into the worlds of both plays, where she interrupts their familiar plots and prevents their tragic conclusions. By becoming the Wise Fool within the stories, Constance helps transform tragedy into comedy while discovering her own confidence and identity.

All four productions are presented on a Pay What You Can basis, with a recommended contribution of $20. The series is ticketless, and no reservations are required for ROMEO AND JULIET or KID’S MIME SHOW FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES. Contributions are not attached to a specific performance date, unless a picnic has been ordered. One contribution is valid for any performance in the season.

Audience members may contribute in advance through Tottering Biped’s Donorbox page or arrive with cash or a smartphone. Seating for the staged readings is limited.

THEATRE