Imagine that you had a dream and were guaranteed that you could achieve it. Would you do it? Would you sit on the fence and think about it? Would you think, “What’s the catch?”
This spring, 9 playwrights in Whitehorse said yes to fulfilling the next chapter of their theatre dreams.
Every year Whitehorse-based theatre company, Nakai Theatre presents the Homegrown Theatre Festival. Since its beginnings in 2004, the festival continues to provide valuable experience to Yukon theatre artists. This year the festival takes place during the evenings from May 26 to 30 at the Guild Hall.
There are many reasons why Nakai hosts this festival. First: to provide an opportunity for “theatre underdogs” to have their work in the public.
Amber Church is producing the festival this year; she says Homegrown is for everyone. Anyone can submit a play, if they are committed. “At Nakai, we don’t believe in making selections for Homegrown,” she says. “We want to see everything that aspiring playwrights and actors have to offer.”
As long as commitment is put forth, Nakai will reciprocate and help the aspiring theatre folk launch their productions.
Once playwrights have paid the registration fee, their journey to the stage begins. The fee is not very large and helps to cover marketing, and stage tech costs. On show nights there is an option for patrons to make donations, which are given to the performers.
The second reason Nakai hosts this event is to scout for talent and possibly add one Homegrown play to their theatre season.
Whitehorse has a lot of theatre companies. Each one has its niche. Nakai likes plays that push boundaries. “We appreciate those who want to do something abstract or derail from ‘traditional theatre,’” Church says. “In Whitehorse we are very spoiled with all the theatre companies. Each one is amazing in terms of what they offer. Anything goes with Nakai — just as long as there is nothing derogatory.”
Sometimes, doing things outside of the norm can give the aspiring playwright an extra push. Knowing that your work will be accepted for Homegrown can definitely pave the way for creativity. There is no need to be nervous about the possibly getting selected. Being part of Homegrown takes that edge off and helps writers focus on their craft.
There is more to theatre then just writing and acting. The scripts and actors are like flowers in a garden. The technical and management side is the fertilizer used to keep the flowers in bloom. These are key steps that Nakai recognizes. “We offer three workshops to those involved with Homegrown. The topics featured are stage management, technical theatre, and theatre design,” says Church.
The third reason why Homegrown is important? Well it’s an excuse for Whitehorse residents to come out and see what their fellow citizens have created.
This year showcases an eclectic lineup of plays. There is one that is strictly improv. The story will continue each night from where it left off the night before. Tickets are available for this event only for $5 a night. Otherwise tickets are $12 per night with access to all shows at the Guild Hall.
For the “mature” crowd, a play called Inertia will explore the theme of destiny. For those who enjoy a drama with a strong female lead, Back In a Minute sounds very promising. Looking for a story about treachery and betrayal? Check out, Willard Richards, Eyewitness to the Martyrdom in the Carthage Jail. Rounding out the rest of the lineup are, Lenny, Four Directions Story, Porque el Silencio, Slam Homophobia, and Wolf Trek: Alone in the Woods, which will be performed in Whitehorse for the first time after hitting the stage on the fringe festival circuit.
The fun doesn’t stop there. After the closing performances a dance party will be held featuring DJKJ. This party will be held at the Guild and is free for all ages. And for beer enthusiasts, bottles of Yukon Gold will be re-branded to display a Homegrown Festival label.
Theatre and beer? I think the Bard would approve. For more information, visit www.nakaitheatre.com.