New Talent from the Fringe
As judged by The Corner
By Kate Edwards and Kerry Freek
Posted January 8th, 2008.
With a new year comes a new opportunity to take in the work of Toronto's emerging theatre talent. To kick-off its 20th season, the Fringe of Toronto Theatre Festival has launched a new initiative to assist emerging artists in reaching a broader audience in the city.
On January 5, we caught The Corner, written and directed by relative newcomer Jason Maghanoy. Equal parts love, friendship, racism, and gang violence, the play is based on the true story shooting of Jeffrey Reodica, a 17-year-old Filipino teen killed by Toronto police in 2004. The Corner's five actors use the minimal stage to their advantage, testing the audience's limits of imagination and conveying feelings of both hope and despair.
The Next Stage Theatre Festival showcases the work of eight theatre companies, featuring a combination of past Fringe favourites and new works. With plays that cover topics ranging from youth violence to young conservatives falling in love, Next Stage presents a diverse line-up that's sure to incite debate and discussion.
There's still time to check it out! The Next Stage Theatre Festival runs January 2-13 at the Factory Theatre (125 Bathurst Street). For complete ticket information and show times, visit www.nextstagefestival.com.