…and you can contribute! Check out our fundraising page here. We are trying to raise an extra $1000 to bring our critically-acclaimed production to two more cities, and are accepting donations in any amount (amounts over $25 get a charitable tax reciept)…
Please help us bring independent theatre off the island! Every bit counts!
When reading the synopsis for Mona Rita I wasn’t sure what to expect. The tale of two friends at a crossroads and whether or not their friendship will last. What Mona Rita turned out to be was the most enjoyable experience I have had at a Fringe show in a very long time.
Every piece of the show was rather simple but stunning in execution. On a superficial level, the set itself was simple and telling of the characters involved. It was a nondescript place friends Mona and Rita would meet to chat and share with each other. The costumes they wore helped you to understand the core of each of the characters as well as see where their insecurities lie.
The script was also simple in language but beautiful in action. You never discover why these women became friends or why they stay friends, but you realize that they need each other early on. The conversations they share are natural, the kind any two women have or wish they could have with their friends. They are honest, visceral, poignant, sad and funny. It makes me think about the relationships I have with my girlfriends and why we talk as we do.
Actors Sara Tilley as Mona and Ruth Lawrence as Rita are flawless. Their natural ability and movement on stage is a breath of fresh air. Sherry White’s direction makes the two ladies seem in sync while being torn apart. A very special and hilarious cameo by stage manager Mark White almost steals the show and is not to be missed.
Go see this dark comedy about two real women dealing with love, motherhood, self-acceptance and changing the world one cigarette butt at a time. Support this team of talented people coming to us from Newfoundland. As long as you are in the mood for a simple show about two lovely women portrayed by amazingly talented actresses you will not be disappointed.
5/5
By Stephanie Yantsis
NNN
Shannon Bramer‘s play about the interdependent friendship of Mona (Sara Tilley) and Rita (Ruth Lawrence) takes a fresh look at the challenge of retaining identity in the face of motherhood and relationships.The quirky dialogue includes some honest observations on the topic of beauty and aging. Both actors creation nuanced characters, and Tilley earns huge applause with her delivery of a monologue describing Mona’s annoyance at hanging out in a drop-in centre with other new moms. Amy Anthony‘s set and prop design is colourful and functional but leaves the play’s location a mystery. The show also reveals many truths about nurturing female bonds – and, in a humorous highlight, the importance of finding a great hair stylist (Mark White).
MONARITA
by Shannon Bramer
directed by Sherry White
featuring Sara Tilley and Ruth Lawrence with Mark White
June 2-4th, Rabbittown Theatre, 8 pm
Preview June 1st at 8 pm
Tickets $20, $15 for students and special coupon holders (bring coupon with you to theatre) with a Pay Whay You Can matinee on June 4th at 2 pm.
For tickets call 739-8220 or buy online rabbittowntheatre.com
“How do you know if someone loves you?”
MONARITA is the hilariously surreal story of two close friends at a crossroads. Soon after Mona becomes a mother she finds she has lost herself—now one of the greatest friendships of her life is in danger of being lost as well, when her best friend Rita tries to break it off and make a new life without her. Will Mona let Rita go? Can Rita exist without Mona? Isn’t love supposed to last forever?
Come see the show before we hit the road for Toronto, Hamilton and Winnipeg!
Presented by White Rooster Theatre and She Said Yes!
Here’s an interview I did with Mack Furlong of WAM about the Lawrence Jackson Writer’s Award and my process while working on my new book.
http://www.cbc.ca/wam/episodes/2011/05/08/lawrence-jackson-writers-award—sara-tilley/
Last night I was awarded the Lawrence Jackson Writer’s Award by Mr. Jackson’s wife, Laura. Thank you to the Jackson family and the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council!
http://nlac.nf.ca/awards/jackson.htm
…an evil little fundraiser I dreamed up based on an exercise we did in Acting School – you have a week to prepare by yourself but you don’t know who your scene partner is until you’re on stage with them…it’s back after a six-year hiatus! www.shesaidyestheatre.ca
As part of my Berton House residency in Dawson City, I will be giving readings in both Dawson City and Whitehorse in March. The readings will include passages from my first novel, Skin Room, as well as my work-in-progress, DUKE.
Wednesday March 9, 7 pm – Dawson Library, Dawson City. Free, refreshments will be served.
Wednesday March 30, time TBA – Whitehorse Public Library, Whitehorse. Free.
I will have copies of Skin Room for sale at each location, $20 a copy. Hope you can make it!
Craig and I have started a little blog about our time in Dawson. Check it out at: www.dawsoncityadventures.blogspot.com.