For the record, this play needs work
By Public Recordings
Co-produced by Public Recordings with Alberta Theatre Projects and The Theatre Centre
Developed in Residency at The Theatre Centre
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Frank Cox-O’Connell in 300 Tapes by Public Recordings. Photo by Bobby Theodore. |
Have you ever tried to remember events from the past but find they’ve become fractured or distorted? That’s the concept behind 300 Tapes — the idea that memories change and fade as time passes. Co-created by Ame Henderson and Bobby Theodore, the show focuses on the memories of one narrator, performed by three actors, recorded on 300 tapes.
Joe Cobden, Frank Cox-O’Connell and Brendan Gall occupy a theatre-in-the-round space as they recall nostalgic, often embarassing moments occasionally reminiscent of our own childhood and teen years (even the tapes they handle throughout the performance are a blast from the past). The stories they tell touch on everything from family, to being “pantsed,” french kissing and doing BTs (bottle tokes). We particularly liked the scene where the three actors rotate facing the audience and recount the details of their old Halloween costumes.
However, it’s only interesting the first time. In the beginning the stories are heartfelt and funny — they reminded us a little of StoryCorps (similar idea), and we wondered if the script was unrehearsed. But as the actors begin to repeat themselves over and over again, not only do the stories seem less genuine, the show actually becomes exhausting to watch. The first 30 minutes kept our attention, but the remaining 50 minutes dragged on and we began to tune out. The other problem with this piece is the writers never give us a reason to care about the narrator, and, as a result, we don’t feel invested or compelled to know more about him. While we appreciate the concept, we were disappointed with the delivery — the writers belabour the point and lose the audience along the way. And at 80 minutes, this production is far too long for a play with no action.
The Theatre Centre’s Residency Program was created in 2004 and supports the theatre community in developing new works and projects. There have been many successful works by past residency companies, 11 of which have been produced and seven that have toured nationally or internationally.
300 Tapes is playing now at The Theatre Centre until December 12th. Tickets can be purchased by calling 416-538-0988 or online at T.O. Tix.
