Blog Archives

Bang Bang at Magnus Theatre

9/15/2018

Here's an opportunity to dive into the conversation about "whose story is it to tell?":

BANG BANG by Kat Sandler is timely, hilarious and sometimes explosive.

A white playwright uses the shooting of an unarmed young Black man by a police officer as a “jumping off point” for his hit play that is soon to be adapted into a major movie. As Hollywood comes knocking for the writer, he makes a surprise visit to the home of the officer involved in the shooting incident. BANG BANG traces the impact of what it means to be inspired by true events and the effects that art may have on the people involved.

“This is a great new play, the story of a family grappling with the realities of a violent act and the repercussions of their story being turned into entertainment,” says Magnus Theatre Artistic Director Thom Currie. “What constantly strikes me about BANG BANG is how gripping it is, how topical it is and just how damned funny it is.” Currie warns that the play is not for the faint of heart, and that BANG BANG contains some extremely adult language.

BANG BANG is a brand-new play which premiered in Toronto in February. Strong writing and excellent performances from the cast in this new Thunder Bay production.

JOIN US! 10x10 artists and friends are invited to see BANG BANG on Sunday September 16th at 2:00 pm. Pay What You Can performance--no advance ticket sales. Come laugh with us and join in the conversation. Hope to see you there!

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Whose story am I telling?

9/14/2018

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Post by Cathi Winslow, lead photo by Kaitlyn Baker

Kaitlyn Baker

In 2018, the world of theatre is bristling with challenges around cultural representation: who gets to tell the story? Who decides? There are no clear answers. Each artist has the power to be aware, informed, and responsible for your own choices. We invite 10x10 playwrights to think about these important questions as you approach your work:

Whose story am I telling?
What's my place in the conversation?
Can others recognize themselves in my work?
Am I making assumptions about a culture?
How do other people see me and my impact in the world? (What is my relationship to power?)

Let's acknowledge where we've been and where we're at now as artists within a society. If you wish to write about a character who belongs to a cultural group which is not your own, think about why--why do you want to write this story? Should you write it? The answer isn't necessarily no. If you choose to write outside your own lived experience, try to find ways to acknowledge your perspective within the work.

For the 10x10 project, we are committed to our blind submission process: the jury evaluates scripts without knowing the identity of the playwright. However, in order to judge fairly and with sensitivity, sometimes the jury needs to know whether or not a playwright is speaking from a lived experience of oppression, discrimination, or marginalization. If your script centers on characters or issues identified with a traditionally marginalized group of people, please provide a brief "position statement" which describes your approach to the material, what you are attempting, and why. Without identifying yourself, help the jury to understand how you are uniquely equipped to tell this story.

As always, there is no limit on subject matter or style. Write what you want. Be aware of the bigger picture. Write till you get it right, or write something else. Keep writing!

Please click on these links for perspectives from other writers:

"We have a responsibility with the words and images we use. We do not make art in a vacuum."
Hanorah, Montreal

10 or so questions to ask yourself before making art about a group you don't belong to

"News articles focused on disabled people are usually framed in terms of 'The Three Ts': Triumph, Tragedy, or Trauma."
Red Nicholson, Auckland, New Zealand

Writing about disability? Here are five tips to get it right

"I'm an Indigenous woman living in Canada. I'm 'not allowed' to say no. This country has made its position on that clear countless times."
Alicia Elliott, Brantford, Ontario

The cultural appropriation debate isn't about free speech---it's about context

Go deeper with these guidelines on Writing the Other:

"When we create characters from backgrounds different than our own, we're really telling the deeper story of our own perception."
Daniel Jose' Older, Brooklyn

12 Fundamentals Of Writing "The Other" (And The Self)

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Playwriting Weekend in October

9/6/2018

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Join us for an exciting weekend with Toronto playwright Jeff Ho!

SEPTEMBER 17 submission deadline for Playwriting Master Class.
Details HERE.
Please note: you do not have to submit work in order to participate
in the Master Class, but it is highly recommended.

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Magnus Theatre School

9/6/2018

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Playwrights, directors, and actors: keep your Thursday evenings free for exciting opportunities for adults at Magnus Theatre in Education! Get started with Intro to Adult Theatre and challenge yourself with Character Study. Register at Magnus.

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Bang Bang at Magnus Theatre

Whose story am I telling?

Playwriting Weekend in October

Magnus Theatre School

10x10

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