Local theatre goers looking for something different from the usual fare this summer are invited to the premiere production of Life and Death, a collection of one-act plays by Vince Masson and Eric Goudie on Aug. 27 at the library here.
The plays are, by turns, ironic, satirical, and bittersweet. Death and destruction abound, to be sure – but the violence (real, threatened, and remembered) serves only to uncover the precious, fragile lives that hide underneath so many carefully constructed facades.
The one-acts are the second Masson-Goudie collaboration this year, coming on the heels of Crime and Passion, their first production in March.
The format is the same. Masson has provided three plays for the first half of the evening, and Goudie has written two for the second. Putting it all together is an ensemble cast, joined this time by both playwrights.
“I think I write plays for people who wouldn’t normally go to plays,” joked Masson. “While these shows may be a bit dark, I think people will find them entertaining.”
For Goudie the project has become an important part of his ongoing creative renaissance. “These are the kind of plays I don’t get to do very often,” he said.
“This kind of theatre is refreshingly honest and unashamed of itself. It’s very exciting work to do.”
There are two performances, on Aug. 27 at 2pm and 8pm at the Ennotville Library. Tickets are $15, and seating for both shows is limited. Tickets may be purchased at the door, or in advance from any cast member. Reservations may also be made by calling 519-780-7593.
The plays in this series are not for the young or the easily offended. They may contain coarse language, violence, adult situations, and disturbing content. Viewer and parental discretion is strongly advised.
