NS2022 The Complex Program

Presented by: It’s Not a Pivot Productions

Photo of television by Gaspar Uhas on Unsplash

THE COMPLEX

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 COMPLEX Presented by It’s Not a Pivot Productions The Architects Playwright Chantal Forde Designer Jessie Fraser Director Mandy Roveda The Prospects Duncan Derry Tsholo Khalema** Tiffany Martin** Franny McCabe-Bennett** Terry Tweed** The Keeper Steve Hobbs*

Production Manager

Carling Tedesco

Stage Manager

Marketing Director

Digital Architect

Marcin Kedzior

Digital Engineer

Jason Do

Musical Composition

Kaeli Mulvaney-Courtois Brittany Howlett

Robert Busiakiewicz

To learn more about our artists and production team, please visit www.howwillyouchoose.com *Actor appears courtesy of ACTRA **Actor appears courtesy of ACTRA and CAEA

DUNCAN DERRY Duncan is a writer and performer based in Toronto. He has appeared in such productions as Seven Stories, The Possessed, and Success Horizon at this year’s online Fringe Festival. Thank you for logging on!

CHANTAL FORDE Chantal is a writer, director, and educator with a passion for new works and theatrical opportunities that challenge and inspire. For Toronto Fringe/Next Stage: Lacuna (co-creator/playwright), Table 7 (playwright), GREY (playwright/ co-director), Perceptions of Love in the Pursuit of Happiness (playwright/ director), And Then … She Did! (director).

JESSIE FRASER Jessie Fraser makes theatre. This is the first time it’s completely digital. She is so grateful for the support of her family and her collaborators during this very ‘extra special’ time. When not sitting in front of computers or dreaming of inperson studio time, Jessie works as a freelance archivist (arts organizations and independent artists).

STEVE HOBBS Steve Hobbs is an actor-entertainer known for hit comedic performances at Toronto Fringe like Behold the Barfly! (2016, 5N’s – NOW Magazine) and the co-written/produced Everything Is Fine (2014, 4N’s – NOW Magazine, 4.5 stars – The Torontoist). Recent TV appearances include FX’s Mrs. America and What We Do in the Shadows.

TSHOLO KHALEMA Tsholo Khalema is an actor, comedian, director and visual artist. Born in Johannesburg during the South African revolution. A proud man of trans experience, in pursuit of truth and authenticity in how we share black and trans stories. For more information on upcoming work and updates, please visit tsholovisions.com TIFFANY MARTIN Tiffany Martin is an avid DIYer, a productive procrastinator and extremely excited to be a part of this project. You may have seen her perform in Withrow Park, on the stage at Stratford, or Tarragon, or most recently in Frankie Drake.

She is thrilled to be sharing this project with you and wishes you joy, rest and health. Check out her bathbombs: @a.pro.pro FRANNY McCABE-BENNETT Franny McCabe-Bennett (she/her) is an award-winning actor, playwright, and producer. Franny also creates original work from a queer, neurodiverse, sober perspective and has toured her autobiographical solo shows across Canada and internationally. Selected credits: Eileen, Book Club (Port Stanley Festival Theatre); Ellen, Five Alarm (Port Stanley Festival Theatre); Lady Would-be, Volpone (Shakespeare Bash’d). www.frannymcb.com

MANDY ROVEDA Mandy Roveda (she/her) is theatre maker and educator with a passion for new works and creating in unconventional spaces. Mandy is a recent MFA graduate in Directing from York University and has been telling stories across Canada and Asia for over 20 years.

TERRY TWEED Terry Tweed has worked in Canada as an actor, director and teacher for over 45 years, and played in most of the major theatres across the country. Terry also sat on the Council of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association for 18 years, stepping down after serving two terms as President.

NOTES ON THE PLAY: It has been years of devastation. Natural resources are almost entirely depleted. The planet is on its last weary legs. The government has fallen and society has divided. This is not news to you - this is your reality but it does not have to be your fate.

Join The Complex where our final five Prospects will vie for your support to become leader of the New World. This is not simply an election, this is your destiny. What values will you uphold? What practices will you prioritize?

How will you choose?

May you see with your mind’s eye and listen with your heart.

The Architects THANK YOUS: Tim Cadeny, Gary Hillis, Anne and John Roveda, Irina Rouby Apelbaum, Paul Chato, Christopher Lewis, Aaron Collier, Scott Emerson Moyle, Christos Giotis, the cast and crew of York University’s Carnicoda, and Lucy, Laura, and the amazing Fringe team and volunteers.

SPONSORS: The Complex is made possible with funding the Jackman Foundation and all our Kickstarter backers. Special thanks to Maxine Heppner and Across Oceans.

CONNECT WITH US: www.howwillyouchoose.com Twitter: @The_Complex__ Facebook: @TheComplex2022 Instagram: @the_complex__

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.

OUR VALUES Access – in every sense of the word Accountability – we work with integrity and respect Creativity – freedom of expression permeates everything we do Exploration – we let curiosity be our guide Support – empowering you to take a chance

OUR STAFF Executive Director Lucy Eveleigh Managing Director Laura Paduch Interim Marketing and Publicity Manager Damien Nelson Projects & Operations Manager Tessa Cernik Community Engagement Senior Coordinator Yuddha Maharaj Administrative Coordinator Suzanne Wilkie Administrative Assistant Neusa Kaculo Executive Management Intern* Isabela Solis-Lozano Digital Innovations Intern** Ellen Reade Next Stage Content Manager Carly Chamberlain Technical Director Caitlin Farley Digital Production Coordinator Brianna Unger Festival Lighting Coordinator Rachel Shaen Closed Caption Coordinator Hannah MacMillan Digital Patron Services Coordinator Marissa Orjalo Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Brooks Finance Coordinator Scratch Anderson Web Developer Tom Dearden Eventotron Developer Chris Perkin Brochure & Graphic Design Trajectory Brands Inc. *With Support from the Metcalf Foundation. **With Support from the City of Toronto, Economic Development and Culture

ARTSCAPE TORONTO Senior Manager - Event Operations Carla Ritchie Assistant Manager, Events Brittany Lynn Martin Technical Services Coordinator Tiffany Ledesma Hub Manager, Daniels Spectrum Farid Jalil Building Operator and Manager Cindy Smith Ada Slaight Hall Head Technician Maya Hall Technicians: Paul Bourgeois, Jason Lane, James McQuay, Christain Wallace

OUR BOARD President Jason Murray Vice President Nancy Madonik Treasurer Garth Sheriff Secretary Boyd Neil Directors Nicole Biros-Bolton, Cindy Gouveia, Sage Paul, Barry Peters, Steven Smits, Douglas Steiner, Kate Supleve, Denise Ruzage

2022 SELECTION COMMITTEE Lucy Eveleigh, Laura Paduch, Marjorie Chan, Derrick Chua, Leah-Simone Bowen

ARTIST ADVISORY Ophira Calof, Joan Jamieson, Rob Kempson, Amy Lee, Ashley Perez, Miquelon Rodriguez, Andrew Seok, Kevin Vidal

FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS Anne Fleming, Tassja Graf, Dave Mashinter, Eric Mandelker, Melinda Silman

CONNECT WITH TORONTO FRINGE AND NEXT STAGE /torontofringe

@Toronto_Fringe @toronto_fringe fringetoronto.com

Fol conv low the #Ne ersation xt a and Stage20 t #Fri 2 ngeT 2 O

NEXT STAGE FESTIVAL SPONSORS AND FUNDING PARTNERS Reconnect Festival and Event Program: Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries

The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation An agency of the Government of Ontario.

Un organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario.

SPECIAL THANKS TO Our friends and family, the board of directors, our donors, sponsors and volunteers. Claire Wynveen, TAPA, Marjorie Chan, Leah Simone Bowen, Derrick Chua, Ryan Kraft, Lindsey Cassell, Gaitrie Persaud, Henry Mak, Joanna Campbell, and Blair Francey.

Support local and get into the Fringe spirit with Fringe merch for yourself and all your friends! All merch proceeds go towards the operations of the Toronto Fringe, helping us keep the lights on and continue supporting indie artists. Visit fringetoronto.com/merch to find all our available options!

FRINGE T.O. TOQUE $25 Show your Fringe pride in a most Canadian way and be warm and cool all at the same time. Available in black (with white logo) & sunset gold (with black logo).

ZOOM SWEATSHIRT $45 Stay cozy in this black, crewneck sweatshirt with “SORRY I MISSED YOUR ZOOM SHOW” written across the chest, and the Toronto Fringe logo on the back.

FRINGE MASK $12 Keep yourself and others safe with our 3 layers of cotton with a nose wire, adjustable ear loops, and a pocket to comfortably fit a filter.

$7 delivery within the City of Toronto, $15 shipping to Canada, and $20 shipping to the US (overage charges might apply depending on weight and number of items).

Questions? Email Tessa at operations@fringetoronto.com.

MANY THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS Our donors believe wholeheartedly in the relentless pursuit of self-expression. We thank our community of supporters, partners, volunteers, and artists who are paving the way for a new decade of innovation at the Toronto Fringe.

LEGACY DONORS $10,000+ Raymond Michael Ferris VISIONARIES CIRCLE VISIONARIES $5,000–9,999 Anonymous Neville Austin Keith Alessi Gideon Arthurs & Erin Shields Doug Steiner & Jasmine Herlt Cindy Blakely in honour of Ashley Botting LUMINARIES $1,000–2,499 Harry Arthurs Efrim Boritz Doug Ewart & Judith Keene Margaret McCain Jason Murray Barry Peters Robert Sherrin INNOVATORS $500–999 Cindy Gouveia Shelley Hobbs & Joan Jamieson Laurie Hutchinson Nancy Konopinsky Wendy MacKeigan Charlotte Ryan Kate Supleve Michelle Tocher Steven Smits Boyd Neil Chun Chang Robert Duchnicky Randy Hesp CREATORS $250–499 Brenda Blake & Arleigh Crawford Derrick Chua Cherie Daitchman Elizabeth Howson Andrew Johnston Birthe Jorgensen Ilana Lucas Robert McGregor

Susan Moellers Eleanor & Terry O’Connor Christopher Oldfield Kelly Straughan Sandra Fleischer Darlene Varaleau Anne Fleming Sebastiano & Angelina Pizzirusso DESIGNERS $125-249 Ben Bain Gail Cooper Christopher Diehl Sam Festino John Gazey Richard Gotlib Anonymous Sania Hameed Susan Hammond Ruth Hull Clark Johnson Christine Laughlen Steven Lico Allen MacInnis Michael Marshall Sam Mooney Eddy Morassutti Lesley Nicholls Milton O’Brodovich Eric Robinson N Shaffeeullah Steven Shrybman Matthew Yanchyshyn Rysia Andrade Michael Atlin Merle Garbe Donna Hutchins Martin Koven Lisa Lambert Dave Pelletier Maurianne Reade Maureen Simpson Cheryl Zinyk Teaghan Young Anonymous Helen Armstrong Andra Bradish

Celia Harte Brent Vickar Anne Christie Miriam Diamond Sholem Dolgoy Barbara Fingerote Stagepage Ltd FRIENDS $25-124 Blaine Adams Geoffrey Allen Kanika Ambrose Susan Anderson Mark Andrews Kae Bagg Dillon Baldassero Doug Balfour Janaki Banting Merriam Barbara Brian Barber Barbara Barrett Bruce Bartlett Cara Baum Graysanne Bedell Robert Beerman Andrea Berntson Cory Bertrand Catherine Biggs Nicolas Billon Jordan Bimm Tim Blair Andrew Bland Paula Blitstein Jodi Block Ryan Bobkin Junyan Boon Joseph Borowiec Aimee Bouchard Sean and Sue Boyce Kendra Boyles Anne Bradford Dianne Bradley Sandra Brewster Minna Brighton Donatucci Jane Brisebois Catherine Bruce John Buchan Claire Burns Diane Campbell John Stuart Campbell Ross Chafe Rachit Chakerwarti Amy CharlesChiu Tracey Chin Darlene Chrissley Laura Chuang

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Shirley Ley Amanda Lince Cheryl Litwack Hung-Tat Lo Jeanne Lovsted Nakeela Lum Wai Isaac Luy Cynthia Lynch Tammy Mann Janet Manzo Lena Maripuu Stan Markiewicz Sid Markowski Karena Massengill Annie Massey Andrew Maykut Laura McCallum Terri McDonnell Hope McIntyre Ashley McKague Dave McKay Cate McKim Andrea McPhee Grace McSorley Julie Mee Tushar Mehta Erin Metzler Ann Meyer Wendy Miller Joanna Mills Kate Milner Susan Moellers Norm Mohamid Ginette Mohr Lynn Moore Shelby Mwambu Trishin Naidu Karen Nair Eden Nameri Paul Nash Hanna Nes June Nicholson Ryan Novosielski Larisa Orlov Angela Ottolino

Candace Palumbo Louise Parkes Judy Payne Barry Peters Vida Petrasiunas Isabelle Philipps MK Piatkowski Marina Plett-Lyle Chase Potter Marina Preman Naomi Priddle Hunter Nisheeth Proshanti Genevieve Proulx Phillip Psutka Judy Rapkin Kelly Read Julie Reitzel Norman Reynolds Nicholas Rice Josephine Ridge Andrea Risk Rachel Robbins Diane Roblin Roger Rolfe Christina Romualdo Raphael Roter Barbara Rotschild Cyn Rozeboom Ronit Rubinstein Ian Rutherford Will Santillo Mike Saver Nitin Sawant Joan and Paul Sayer Karen Scora Jim Scott Matthew Segal Natalie Semotiuk Lucy Shenouda Phillip Silver Gene Simon Carol Slama Jon Slock Jon Slock David Slonosky

Elaine Smith Barbara Snelgrove Alex Stairs Alexa Stavro Eve-Lynn Stein Kenny Streule Linda Sullivan Renata Szczypek William Tallon Suzy Tanzer Will Taylor Natalia Tcherniak Doug Tindal Mary Ann Trainor Sandi Trillo Frank Trotz Mary Upper Nicolette Vallandigham Judith van Bastelaar Lauren Vandervoort Patrizia Varrasso Jennifer Vieno Alishah Virji Sage Walker Scott Walker Donna Walsh Meghan Warby Jessica Wawoe Katherine Welsh Scott White Sunny Widerman Paula Wilkie Katherine Wilson Anthony Wilson Eric Emin Wood Ian Worling Susan Worthington Barry Wright Anna Wynveen Tim Wynveen Susan Yee Thomas Yeung Marie Yeung John Yoshida Hersh Zeifman

Thank you to all our incredible donors who make our work, and the work of independent artists possible! If you would like to support The Toronto Fringe, you can visit: fringetoronto.com/get-involved/donate or email our Executive Director to find out more information at lucy@fringetoronto.com.

All donations of $25+ receive a tax receipt and various Fringe benefits.

The above list includes gifts of $25+ between December 2020 and Jan 14, 2022.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US! FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ALL THE NEXT STAGE PRODUCTIONS VISIT FRINGETORONTO.COM