Media releases

• MIWSFPA production explores relationships in today’s connected world

  Thursday, November 21, 2019 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 21 November 2019 – R00184 

  A fourth-year Dramatic Arts class from Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts is putting its spin on the Caryl Churchill production Love and Information.

  Opening on Friday, Nov. 29 at the Marilyn I. Walker Theatre in downtown St. Catharines, Love and Information examines relationships in a world of excess and access, where fragmented individuals struggle to connect despite having everything at their fingertips.

  The show is produced by Studio Taxi Theatre, run by students in the Advanced Studies in Theatre course, and is part of the MIWSFPA’s mandate to contribute to regional cultural development and build community connections.

  Through more than 100 characters in 60 scenes, the production looks at how love and information impacts their lives and relationships. The play moves from one scene to the next with rapid dexterity, as if the audience was flipping through the channels on a television. Viewers catch snippets of real human beings in the heart of conflicts, connection and catastrophe.

  Dramatic Arts Professor Mike Griffin, who directs the performance, says Love and Information is an exciting show because of how it structurally and thematically reflects today’s society.

  “Churchill comments on what it is like to be in the ‘swipe’ generation, constantly switching from app to app, staying connected as long as the entertainment lasts,” he says. “The play examines how information affects our relationships.”

  Griffin calls Churchill one of the most dynamic playwrights alive, paving the way to experiment with form and content. Her plays often challenge societal ideals and abuses of power, and her writing explores unconventional structures. Love and Information was first produced in 2012 at the Royal Court Theatre in London, U.K., directed by James MacDonald, and has since then met incredible success with productions across the world.

  Churchill’s script gives theatre companies the flexibility to shuffle the order of the scenes, allowing the artists to makes strong choices about how to shape the production. It means no two versions of the play will ever be the same. The stage is set up in alley-style seating, with audiences on either side of the stage and actors in the middle, providing for an intimate engagement.

  Love and Information showcases the talents of the Brock University student performers Jasmine Case, Joanna Tran, Joshua Loewen, Lauren Reid, Rachel Frederick, Shannon Fletcher and Taylor Bogaert.

  Students in production and design roles include: Frances Johnson, set designer; Rachel Frederick and Paige Hunt-Harman, costume designers; Elizabeth Martin, sound designer; Samantha Rideout, production manager/choreographer; Alexandra Chubaty Boychuk, prop designer/choreographer; Jordine De Guzman, stage manager; and Emily Clegg, dramaturg. Lighting design is by Brock Dramatic Arts alumni James McCoy.

  Director of the MIWSFPA David Vivian said student productions like this one set the Dramatic Art students up for a successful career in the arts.

  “The DART 4F56 course is a capstone experiential education-oriented course that often serves as a launching pad for the post-graduation founding of new companies and projects of creative research and theatre production in Niagara and the GTA,” he said. “Students build, produce, perform, direct, dramaturge and market these original events.  It sets them up to be highly qualified to work for a theatre or production company, and gives them the confidence to launch their own projects.”

  Love and Information runs:

  Friday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m.

  Saturday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

  Sunday, Dec. 1 at 2 p.m.

  The show is suitable for ages 10 and over. Tickets are $5 and are available through Brock University’s ticket hub online at brocku.universitytickets.com

  Media Preview

  A media day showing of Love and Information with selected scenes to be presented for video and photography on set, in costume and under theatrical lighting, will be held onTuesday, Nov. 26 at 4 p.m. Additional photography and video content of the rehearsal process, as well as interviews with company members, may be available upon request.

  Media are asked to confirm attendance to Shannon Fletcher, Publicity and Media Representative, 905-464-6441 or at studiotaxitheatre@gmail.com

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases

• Badgers basketball teams to Paint the Meridian Red

  Monday, November 18, 2019 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 18 November 2019 – R00183

  The Brock Badgers are primed to take over Niagara’s largest arena with edge-of-your-seat basketball and an energetic fan experience.

  The women’s and men’s basketball teams will host a Paint the Meridian Red doubleheader at the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines on Saturday, Jan. 11. The women’s game will tip off at 6 p.m. with the men to follow at 8 p.m.

  First-year men’s basketball head coach Willy Manigat said he’s excited to have his team compete on such a large stage.

  “It’s important for us to promote the sport of basketball in the Niagara community,” said Manigat. “As I’ve said many times, this region has so much basketball potential and I hope to be a big part of that growth.”

  Tickets for the doubleheader are now on sale on Ticketmaster with prices set at $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $8 for kids 12 and under. Limited courtside seats are available for $25.

  Basketball in the province has exploded to more than 50,000 players, coaches and administrators, according to Ontario Basketball, and Manigat said he anticipates to see the next generation of university basketball players to be in the crowd.

  “I remember that for myself it was games like this that made me want to take basketball seriously. The game of basketball is at an all-time high and the great thing is that it continues to grow,” he said. “This upcoming doubleheader will present to younger basketball players of Niagara another opportunity to see that U SPORTS basketball is extremely competitive.”

  Brock women’s head coach Mike Rao said this game is a special moment for his players.

  “For most young players, playing at the Meridian Centre is a chance of a lifetime,” said Rao. “This is especially true for our local players. The chance to play and shine in front of your family and friends is an awesome experience.”

  The women’s team features two Niagara-born newcomers — Sam Keltos of St. Catharines and Destiny Paquin of Welland — who have yet to play at the Meridian Centre, but can’t wait to hit the court.

  “I haven’t experienced a game like this before, but I’m very excited for it,” said Keltos, who graduated from Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School. “Big events like this makes people passionate about the game. It gives people something to look forward to and rallies everyone together to come and support the University.”

  For every student ticket sold, $1 will be donated to the Brock University Students’ Union Food First Program, an on-campus food bank supporting undergraduate and graduate students.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  Kevin Cavanagh, Brock University Communications, kcavanagh@brocku.ca or 905-688-5550 ext. 5888 or 905 321-4310
  

  Michelle Pressé, Brock University Communications, mpresse@brocku.ca or 905-688-5550 ext. 4420 or 905-246-1963

  Categories: Media releases