national coverage and 'Canadian culture'

[Deborah Tihanyi]

I've found the recent discussion on the national coverage of theatre
in the media very interesting.  Now living in Toronto (but originally
from Montreal, and having lived in Edmonton), I would like to point
out that 'Toronto-centrism' only goes so far, in that when we talk
about Toronto theatre, it usually includes only the larger, more
mainstream theatres (among them those which used to be part of the
'alternate' category).  There are plenty of smaller theatre
companies--yes, even in Toronto--who are doing interesting work
without 'national coverage.'  The larger issue here might be the
coverage of theatrical events that are lower on the economic food
chain--how can this happen?  Fringe Festivals have certainly
contributed to the raising of profile of smaller ventures; advocacy
and administrative groups have also helped in terms of pooling
resources for publicity.  I'm always encouraged by the discussion of
theatre on Candrama--particularly from other parts of the country; we
can be a conduit for information that slips through the cracks of
mainstream media.  (re:  _The Emperor of Atlantis_ currently running
in the Maritimes--any chance we could get a mini-review?  Is there a
published script available?)

And, speaking of Canadian culture . . .
Has anyone been watching _Made in Canada_?  (It's an interesting
commentary on the influence of Hollywood on the creation of Canadian
cultural 'product,' amongst other things . . .)  There have been a
number of exceptional television programs dealing with the subject
over the past few years (notably Ken Finkleman's _The Newsroom_ and
_More Tears_).  Having done some television myself, and knowing that
the reality in this country is that many theatre practitioners become
involved with other media in order to make a living, this might be
another direction our discussion could take . . .

Food for thought.
Deborah