Beth Graham/Brian Webb

World Premiere
April 16, 17, 18
8PM
Theatre Network, Roxy Theatre

Two Artists. Two Friends. Two Explorations of Ourselves.

These two friends who first met and hit it off serving on a dance jury to then became intimate buddies are sharing the stage! Each will explore in their own way: JUST WHO I AM TODAY! Two monologues told in dancing (OK! moving?) and speaking will reveal truths that may shock you, move you,  and even entertain you! Gentle provocation may turn out to be a big surprise!

In June the BWDC in collaboration with the U of A Drama Department's Lin Snelling will host Tedi Tafel , an artist who bases her powerful artistic explorations on Authentic Movement Practice. A selected group will take it to the streets. Will this be yet another form of gentle provocation? We will all have to wait and see!

Turn Left Gather Speed | Beth Graham

When Brian invited me to create a piece for his company, I leapt at the challenge. The inspiration for Turn Left Gather Speed comes directly from my own life, which is unusual for me. As a playwright, I’m used to inventing stories, hiding behind imaginary characters, so this is different, revealing. I’m doing my best not to hide behind anything. This is me, in middle age, trying to comprehend a significant change in my life. Creating and sharing this piece feels risky, terrifying, and liberating all at once. It wouldn’t have happened without Brian’s provocations and encouragements. Here we go…

AN OLD WHITE FAG SITS AT HIS DESK... NAKED | Brian Webb

( Disclaimer!  You will be happy to know I am keeping my clothes on ... but, I am revealing myself!)

Now, how is that for a title! I see this piece created in my 75th year as a statement of who I am today, as to what it means to be labeled an old white man of privilege even though I am part of the LGBTQ +++ Community, to the fact that when I came out, I was against the law in my own country (!). And, yes I am privileged...for my whole working life I have been a dance and performance artist. WOW! I am most thankful. 

I am so excited to share the stage with my good friend, playright and actress, Beth Graham, who will perform a self portrait, Turn Left Gather Speed . I'm also sharing the space with one of our community's most fine pianists, Megan Crane. She will perform 3 of Bach's fugues from his  Art Of The Fugue... you'll have to see the performance to find out why!

Brian      

Piano performed by Megan Crane
The Art Of The Fugue by JS Bach

Megan Crane has a master’s degree in piano performance from the Université de Montréal and has an active career as a collaborative pianist in Edmonton. She is a studio accompanist at Concordia University and plays for Ariose Treble Choir, Vox Hominis Men’s Choir, Cantilon Chamber Choir and Cantilon Children’s Choir. She is also music director at St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church. Megan keeps a hive of bees, a flock of chickens and a large fruit and vegetable garden with her husband and two kids in Edmonton.