Collective Beginnings, Alternative Creations Conference 2006

[Robin Whittaker]

It may be best to register early through TPM for this important event, as 
attendence is limited.

Best,

Robin Whittaker, Conference Co-Chair
PhD Candidate, Graduate Centre for Study of Drama, University of Toronto
Course Instructor, English, University of Toronto at Scarborough


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 3, 2006
Media Contact:  Laura Bonfigli  416.504.7529 x2140
laurab at passemuraille.on.ca

Collective Beginnings, Alternative Creations

Toronto, Ontario


Theatre Passe Muraille is proud to present COLLECTIVE BEGINNINGS, ALTERNATIVE
CREATIONS, a conference dedicated to collective- and documentary-style theatre
practices in Canada.  This conference, running from March 6 through March 8,
2006, commemorates nearly 40 years of dedication to innovative theatre art and
artists in Canada.  Celebrating the freedom and idealism of Rochdale College,
papers, panels and workshops will concentrate primarily on collective creation
and its effect on theatre practice and presentation in Toronto, as well as the
rest of Canada.

The connection between the history of Theatre Passe Muraille and the development
of this alternative method of creation in Canada is an important part of
Canadian theatre history. The conference begins just after the opening of The
Rochdale Project, TPM’s newest collective and a show that has been in the making
for nearly 4 years.

*
In 1968 a group of under-thirties decided to try something out for themselves.
Unhappy with mainstream education and inspired by the change going on in the
world, they petitioned the federal government for funds to create a free
university which would set the form and content of their education.  Out of this
was born Rochdale College.

In 2002 a group of under-thirties decided to try something out for themselves.
After listening to stories of the Passe Muraille collectives, from The Farm Show
to1837: The Farmers’ Revolt, to I Love You, Baby Blue, they decided to explore
collective creation for themselves.  Out of this was born The Rochdale Project,
a two-act play exploring the lives that were shaped by the Rochdale experience.
*

Including a 3-day workshop on collective creation by the visionary Paul Thompson
and a matinee of The Rochdale Project, this conference will bring together
professional artists and accomplished scholars to discuss the past, present and
future of this dynamic and alternative method of creation, production and
performance.  The keynote address will be given by TPM’s founder, Jim Garrard.

Presenters include: Ric Knowles (University of Guelph), Alan Filewod (University
of Guelph), Judith Rudakoff (York University), Andy Houston (University of
Waterloo), Bruce Barton (University of Toronto), Daryl Cloran (Theatrefront),
Fides Krucker (The Urge Collective), and Ker Wells (Number Eleven Theatre).
Conference co-chairs are Robin Whittaker (Doctoral Candidate, University of
Toronto) and Laura Bonfigli (Theatre Passe Muraille).

General Information
•       Monday March 6 to Wednesday March 8, 2006 at Theatre Passe Muraille
•       10:00am to 5:00pm daily
•       $10 conference registration fee
•       Call Arts Box Office at 416.504.7529 to register, or register online at
www.artsboxoffice.ca

Apologies for cross-posting.