NS2022 The Sunglasses Monologue Program

THE SUNGLASSES MONOLOGUE Presented by: Sunglasses Monologue Collective

WELCOME TO THE 2022 NEXT STAGE FESTIVAL. We may have had to adjust our plans slightly but we still have many wonderful shows for you to experience.

It has been a long journey for these artists, whether experimenting with new online formats or suddenly recording a show in a venue, all of these companies have risen to the occasion and we are hoping that you, the audience, will not only support them but share their work with others.

Our image this year is that of the butterfly, our theme is returning and transforming. Part of that was about coming back into a physical theatre which alas is no longer possible but I believe the imagery and idea still stands. We are returning – we have a festival still, four pieces that were curated from the very beginning with a digital space in mind and several new pieces that had to quickly pivot into creating their shows for you online.

I could not be prouder of all that has been created both from our artists and the entire fringe team who have made this transformation happen.

All we ask from you is to join us, be an active part of the storytelling and this chapter of Next Stage and enjoy!

Happy Fringing,

Lucy Eveleigh Executive Director

December 30, 2021 Dear Next Stage Audience and Supporters, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to everyone attending this year’s Next Stage Theatre Festival hosted by Toronto Fringe. It gives me great joy that this year’s festival is hosted at Daniel Spectrum in our dynamic Regent Park community here in Toronto Centre. Many of the previously planned in-person productions were filmed in this incredible venue.

I know these past two years have been especially hard on our arts community. I’m thrilled to see the continued success of this festival as I know its important role in the creation of new Canadian works. The Toronto Fringe and Next Stage Theatre festival have been instrumental as part of the development of new Canadian plays including Kim’s Convenience, Da Kink in My Hair, and helped foster the talent of the co-creators of Come From Away. Not only does this festival foster Canadian stories, but it promotes and encourages residents to participate in their community at large; creates new connections with emerging artists, and contributes to our community.

For the 15th year, the Next Stage Theatre Festival features a great number of productions that showcase dynamic and innovative styles and formats. Even in the face of a global pandemic, you have been adaptable, flexible, and resilient. Your platform has provided the opportunity for indie theatre-makers to continue to develop their craft and showcase their talents making up an integral piece of the cultural fabric of Toronto.

Congratulations to everyone involved and I wish everyone an enjoyable and memorable event.

Yours truly,

Kristyn Wong-Tam City Councillor Ward 13, Toronto Centre

Toronto Fringe would like to acknowledge that our office has been built on the traditional territory of Tkaronto, “the gathering place” - we acknowledge the original caretakers of this land, the Anishinaabe, including the Mississaugas of Credit, Haudenosaunee, Chippewa, and Wyndat nations.

To all the people of Turtle Island, Chi Miigwetch.

Fresh pixels.

www.hoffworks.com

PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING OUR AMAZING LOCAL VENDORS WHO HAD PLANNED TO FILL OUR LOUNGE IN DANIELS SPECTRUM.

THE SUNGLASSES MONOLOGUE Presented by Sunglasses Monologue Collective Playwright/Performer/ Producer/Director Vivian Chong

ASL Interpreter

Denica Brown

Stage Manager/ Technical Coordinator

Brianna Unger

Production Company

Sassy La V

VIVIAN CHONG, PLAYWRIGHT/PERFORMER/PRODUCER/DIRECTOR Vivian Chong is the creator, producer, and performer of The Sunglasses Monologue. She is a singer-songwriter, vocalist and ukulele player. A multidisciplinary artist, Vivian has created works as a graphic novelist, playwright, dancer and comedian. In 2020 her graphic memoir, Dancing after TEN was shortlisted for the Toronto Book Award, listed as one of the best books in NPR top 200 and recommended by the New York Times. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Vivian is a triathlete, circus performer and drummer and volunteers regularly for the vision loss and blind community. In 2020 Vivian was awarded the Volunteer Service Award by the Ontario government. She is an audio description consultant and the founder of The Accessible Yoga Program for the Canadian Institute for the Blind.

Upcoming: Dancing with the Universe, a dance theatre adaptation of The Sunglasses Monologue, co-directed by Vivian Chong and choreographer Kathleen Rea of REAson D’etre with dramaturgy by Tristan Whiston. Originally scheduled for 2020, but postponed to April 2022 due to COVID. BRIANNA UNGER, TECHNICAL COORDINATOR AND STAGE MANAGER Brianna Unger is a queer, technical theatre artist who specializes in all forms of management. Since graduating from the Production Design and Technical Arts program at The National Theatre School of Canada, she has been excited to work on moving and diverse stories. Brianna would like to thank Vivian for the experience of collaborating on this one-of-a-kind show.

SASSY LA V, PRODUCTION COMPANY Part midlife crisis and sassy leap of faith, Veronica Antipolo founded Sassy La V Productions after losing a “good job” at 45. She’s also a storyteller, comedian and co-founder of Mosaic Untold Lives – a storytelling platform for Women of Colour. Veronica and her stories have been featured in Stories We Don’t Tell: The Book, CBC Radio’s The Doc Project, Reader’s Digest, and the soldout Fresh Rice New Asian Comedians Showcase in Toronto’s historical CBC Glenn Gould Studio. A cheerleader of women, Veronica hopes to connect people through producing events, storytelling and comedy that showcase diverse narratives. A single mom who’s sassy and real, Veronica refuses to miss any more moments not doing these things that she loves. Find out more at SassyLaV.com or on Instagram @sassy_la_v.

NOTES ON THE PLAY: The Sunglasses Monologue is a one woman show that recounts the life changing events of Vivian Chong’s life. Through comedy, original music and storytelling, Vivian shares her story of perseverance and reinvention. This raw, honest piece is a firsthand account of how you don’t need anyone’s permission to follow your dreams.

THANK YOUS: Thank you to Denica C. Brown , Anthony Bergamin, Suzanne Wilkie and the Toronto Fringe Team, Brianna Unger, Sassy La V, Gordon Neill at Sweet Action Theatre Company, and Vivian’s beloved seeing eye dog Catcher.

PRODUCTION HISTORY: The first The Sunglasses Monologue show was created in December 2015 and premiered at Second City Toronto to a sold-out audience. Over the past seven years this show has been continually developed and performed at various venues across Canada including performances in Niagara Falls, St. Catherine’s and Canmore Alberta. Most recently, The Sunglasses Monologue had its first digital performance in May 2021, which was performed to a live audience over Zoom for the Canadian Council for the Blind.

The Sunglasses Monologue is produced with the support of the City of Toronto through Toronto Arts Council.

CONNECT WITH US: Twitter: @the_sunglasses_monologue Instagram: @the_sunglasses_monologue #nstf

SHE’S NOT SPECIAL

THE SUNGLASSES MONOLOGUE

STAND UP COMEDY NIGHT

STORIES OF A DISH

TANGO IN THE DARK

THE COMPLEX

HEART OF A DOG

URSA: A FOLK MUSICAL

SAVING WONDERLAND

CHECK OUT THE FULL NEXT STAGE LINEUP AT

FRINGETORONTO.COM

TORONTO FRINGE OUR MANDATE The Toronto Fringe is a platform for everyone to access, discover, and experiment with the arts. By valuing creative experiences, we contribute to a healthy arts economy and, ultimately, a thriving society.

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