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What is Dramaturgy? Some Answers From Our Members:
“Dramaturgy supports the creative process with a specific focus on the creation and interpretation of the text. I believe that within that definition there is great range in terms of the definitions of “support”, “process” and “text.” Personally I believe the act of dramaturgy includes careful listening, curious inquiry, openness, honesty, imagination and rigour; it simultaneously considers the details and the big picture. It is about asking the right questions at the right time. It is about encouraging conversation and facilitating the vital exchange of ideas and energy that makes theatre unique.”
-- Vicki Stroich, Artistic Associate – Festival and Dramaturg at Alberta Theatre Projects
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May 28-June 3: Keegan McEvoy, Touchstone Theatre
For over 35 years Vancouver, BC's Touchstone Theatre, which has an institutional LMDA membership, has been a mainstay of theatrical innovation and excellence on the West Coast. The company's all-Canadian mandate has helped launch and develop some of the country's most important playwrights and actors, and its substantial body of work has garnered over 60 local and national awards.
Most of Touchstone's activities have fallen into one of the following three categories: premiere productions of plays by local playwrights, second productions of important plays premiered in other regions of Canada, and innovative collective creations developed within the company. Within each category Touchstone has explored a wide variety of styles and always stayed true to the exploratory and celebratory spirit of the company. Former Artistic Directors have included Gordon McCall, John Cooper and Roy Surette.
At the start of the 1997/1998 season, Katrina Dunn succeeded Roy Surette as Artistic Director, infusing Touchstone's mandate with her unique vision. Since then, the level of activity at the company has increased and several new programs have been implemented. A Playwright in Residence program has stepped up the company's commitment to developing new work and given rise to plays such as Kevin Kerr's Governor General's Award-Winning Unity (1918). In 2003 she made Touchstone a co-founder, with Norman Armour and Rumble Productions, of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, which has gone on to become one of the city's most important cultural events. With Martin Kinch at the Playwrights Theatre Centre she birthed the Flying Start program which gives a stage to new professional playwrights. Since 2008 the company's themed seasons have explored major trends in Canadian Theatre. These have included seasons focused on Canadian Women Playwrights, Canadian Musical Theatre and BC Theatre Artists.
Now in its fourth decade of production Touchstone remains a lightning rod of theatrical activity. Its purely Canadian focus makes it unique in its region, and its reputation for excellence has earned the respect of audience, critics and colleagues.
