just got back from seeing Pangaea Arts' production of "The Gull".

there are only two shows left, and if you're at all interested in theatre from cultures other than northern european, i encourage you to go and see it.

it does take some getting used to. the drums will startle you and the conventions will have you puzzled, but the over-all effect is beautiful, and the poetry and the simplicity and the story are all quite lovely. and you'll be amazed at how much your imagination gets itself involved with things. also, it's a great antidote to our insistence on "reality" in theatre.

i mean, really, when was the last time you saw a "stage-hand" enter as stately as any actor on the stage so they can help a masked actor sit down or re-arrange the actor's costume?

and yet, it doesn't distract. it doesn't "take us out".

there's alot to be said for the acknowledgement of artifice. if you've been following my posts, you're probably beginning to notice that this is developing into a theme of mine. and i'm going to keep it up. so there. get used to it.

go see The Gull
remaining performances:
Saturday May 13, 2pm Matinée
Saturday May 13, 8pm
Sunday May 14, 2pm Matinée
@ Richmond City Hall (Granville and No. 3 Rd)
Tickets at the Gateway Theatre Box Office: (604) 270-1812.
http://www.pangaea-arts.com/