I’ve spent a great deal of time over the past few years adapting many of the classics (Chekhov, Ibsen, Strindberg, Sartre, Erdman) so that they would be relatable and accessible to the actors I train.  

So I’m thrilled that the Toronto Film School is presenting one of these adaptations!  And thanks to Christopher Sawchyn for such lovely words that validate my efforts! 

Toronto Film School Presents:
To Be or Not To Be

Toronto Film School’s Christopher Sawchyn has long desired to direct a Russian comedy on stage, so when he chanced upon Miriam Laurence’s To Be or Not To Be, he knew it was, in fact, meant to be.

“I fell in love with this story that explores the danger of celebrity and the lure of political power,” he said of Laurence’s translation of Nikolai Erdman’s 1928 play The Suicide, which is regarded as one of the finest plays to have come out of Communist Russia.

“She’s expertly crafted the humour, nuance and characters in such a relatable way to an English-speaking audience, and it works well for a class of young actors.”

“I love to collaborate when creating art and this gaggle of multi-skilled students have been willing to experiment with me,” he added, noting that it didn’t hurt to have both a Ukrainian dancer and a Russian-speaking actor amongst the members of his cast.

To Be or Not To Be, which is stage managed by Cobourn Sands, will take to the stage at the Papermill Theatre for a three-performance run:
 

– Tuesday, June 18 at 7 p.m.

– Wednesday, June 19 at 9 p.m.

– Thursday, June 20 at 7 p.m.
 

The Papermill Theatre is located at Todmorden Mills, 67 Pottery Rd. Tickets are free and available at the door.

The Toronto Fringe is coming up July 3 – 14th with plays of all kinds for everyone!

Eli Wood, who has been training with me, is in one of the productions:  On a Sunday in August