Sarasvati Productions continues to push boundaries and produce Canada's primary festival for female playwrights. 

 I had an interesting experience this weekend at FemFest which launched its 13th festival on Saturday. Anyone who has ever taken a friend or spouse to an event, and endured their discomfort, will be able to commiserate. I took my spouse to The National Elevator Project, a daring contemporary theatre experiment produced by Theatre Yes in which audience members are trapped in an elevator with actors. Audience members have no idea what will ensue, and are forced to step outside of their traditional roles and become apart of the action, whatever it may be. The interactive component of contemporary theatre is becoming more trendy, and those who have always gotten excited about audience participation (who are these people??) in the theatre will love The National Elevator Project. But a word of caution: if your friend or partner thinks that you are taking them to a (relatively) traditional theatre experience, don't bring them. In a 15 minute skit called 'The Club', my SO and I were forced to dance and take faux shots with a group of actors in an elevator. The 'club' scene then gave way to a stream of heartbreaking prose recited at each audience member with unrelenting eye contact. It was unlike anything I have ever experienced, and to be honest I think I could have succeeded in suspending my own disbelief if it hadn't have been for my familiar, who seemed to be suffering from rigor mortis-like terror.

This is all to introduce the innovative and 'transformative theatre' promised by Sarasvati Productions and FemFest. The National Elevator Project is just one production in the larger 10-day itinerary, but it showcases an important aspect of the festival's vision - that of pushing artistic boundaries and opening up audience members to the interactive potential of theatre. FemFest is not for everyone (as noted above), but those who are willing to engage in innovative theatrical experiments might want to check it out.


Beginning as a grassroots festival in 2003, FemFest has evolved into a 10-day series of theatre productions and workshops celebrating contemporary female playwrights from all over Canada, including right here in Winnipeg. The festival invites female artists and theatre goers alike to participate in theatre as a means of cultural discourse, most importantly addressing female-centred societal issues. At its heart, Femfest has a vision of supporting women directors, designers and performers, and advocating equal opportunities within the theatre world.

FemFest runs from September 12-19 at The Asper Centre for Theatre and Film (University of Winnipeg, 400 Colony Street). This year's highlights include the world premiere of The Dance-Off of Conscious Uncoupling by Frances Koncan, last year's Bake-Off winner, and touring productions from Canada's top female artists.

 

 

 

Sara Krahn is a freelance contributor for Classic 107. She is a recent graduate of the Canadian Mennonite University School of Music and also a newlywed. Sara spends her time out and about exploring and reporting on Winnipeg's vibrant arts and culture scene. Don't be shy, say "Hello!" if you see her!