MacDonald is a playwright/director originally from Cape Breton Island currently residing in Montreal. His plays include Whale Riding Weather, The Weekend Healer, Divinity Bash/nine lives and The Exstasy of Bedridden Ridinghood. He is the creator of theatrical interpretations of the music of Leonard Cohen (Sincerely, A Friend), Joni Mitchell (When All the Slaves Are Free) and Carole Pope/Kevan Staples (Shaking the Foundations). He coaches students at the National Theatre School, and his most recent play is Beyond the Beaded Curtain.
This year’s schedule of one act plays will include five original works and five previously produced plays. As well, the New Play Development Reading Series will feature two new plays in development. Festival attendees will be treated to such plays as Knight at the Beach, written by Anna Spencer; Her Wake, written by Frank Macdonald and directed by Rankin MacDonald; and One for the Road written by Harold Pinter.
The festival is an innovative way of developing local talent notes Artistic Director, Todd Hiscock. “The festival provides new and experienced writers, directors and actors an opportunity to showcase their talent, and gives the public a chance to see several quality productions from numerous theatrical styles. The festival continues to delight audiences year after year,” he says. “This year we are very happy to welcome home Bryden MacDonald as our Festival Adjudicator. Bryden is a national award winning playwright and director, and brings a wealth of experience to our Festival.”
MacDonald will also give a public interview about his work on Wednesday, March 28 at the Boardmore Theatre. The interview, hosted by Cape Breton actor and comedian, Bette MacDonald, is a Pay What You Can event, with proceeds going toward the Harry and Elizabeth Boardmore Scholarship Fund.
Evening shows begin at 7pm. Tickets to the One Act Play Festival are $10 General, $8 Students and Seniors, $6 CBU Students and are available at the Box Office or by calling 902-563-1652.
For a complete schedule please visit cbu.ca.
