Date: Friday 30th – Saturday 31st
Time: 8:00pm
Location: George Ignatieff  Theatre (15 Devonshire Place, by the Larkin Building)
Tickets: Can be bought at door; Student $8, Adult $12

The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus, written by Christopher Marlowe, is the Trinity College Dramatic Society’s winter play. Directed by 4th year student David Bowden, the play is the familiar story of Faustus, a German physician who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for 24 years of freedom, power and knowledge.

Featuring an impressive and flexible cast where actors play multiple characters, Doctor Faustus strikes a balance between the sinister and humorous, complimented by a dramatic red and black set. Duncan Derry carries the leading role well, exerting a quirky arrogance with moments of quiet despair towards the end, and Pippa Leslie’s portrayal of sidekick devil Mephistopheles is simply delightful in its blend of wit, sarcasm, and rage. The resulting chemistry between them is thus dynamic and engaging, consisting of taunts and put-downs as well as reassurances and cooperation in trickery. (more…)

I had the chance to see Trinity College Dramatic Society’s staging of Neil Simon’s “Rumors” last night at the George Ignatieff Theatre, and I really enjoyed myself. As a member of the theatre community for the past decade, I often shed a critical eye on all aspects of the production, from set design to lighting cues. Producing, directing and managing shows force you to look at shows in particular ways, and those habits are not easily dropped. However, with all these things working against me (and knowing I had to review the show here) I found myself taken in with the story and characters and eagerly awaiting the denouement of the plot.

I always finds it helps to have a blurb about the plot before going into the show, especially with up to 8 actors on stage, and was disappointed there wasn’t one in the program. It’s a story about a posh party being held by Charlie Brock and his wife Myra to celebrate their 10th anniversary, however these characters are never seen. When the first couple arrives they hear a gunshot and find Charlie with a flesh wound and Myra missing. What ensues next, as each couple arrives, is a swirling mess of rumors surrounding the truth about what has happened to Charlie and Myra and why.

For most patrons, what you want to know is – will I understand it? will it be an enjoyable evening? was it worth my money?

For the answer to these and more questions, read on.
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