by Rafael Gallegos
Daily Lobo
Theater companies from all over the world are in Albuquerque performing in the Third Annual Revolutions International Theatre Festival, brought to us by our own creators, innovators and ambassadors of culture, the Tricklock Theatre Company.
Last week, Gruvekompaniet (The Mine Company) from Norway performed their original work, "The Birds" outdoors and on stilts. From Dusseldorf, Germany, the captivating Andre Erlen gave us his "Scenario for a Non-Existing But Possible Instrumental Actor" and blended physical comedy with philosophical rants in a highly entertaining and inspiring evening. Mariana Sadovska from the Ukraine sang "Enchantment Songs" and brought the audience to rural Ukraine.
This week, it's Canada's turn and D & M Productions from Edmonton, Alberta, will present its original work, "Tuesdays and Sundays" at the Rodey Theatre on Friday and Saturday, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.
The award winning "Tuesdays and Sundays" is a poetic retelling of a factual love story. William and Mary awaken in a state of limbo and recreate the story of their life and love.
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D&M Productions, Daniel Arnold and Medina Hahn, and all other festival companies will give workshops to local students during their residency in Albuquerque.
In a directing class at UNM, D&M talked about their process, drive and the importance of touring.
Asked why they are involved in theater, Arnold responded, "I don't want to work a crap job."
Medina Hahn said she wants "to change the world or make a difference somehow."
The passionate couple spoke about touring in this time of global crisis. After seeing more political work, D&M questioned the importance of their production, but Arnold believes "if the work is more personal it becomes universal."
D&M's "Tuesdays and Sundays" swept the Edmonton Theatre Festival, winning Best Actor, Actress, New Work and Director. The show also won Toronto's NOW magazine's Outstanding New Play and Production award, was named to the CBC's Top Ten of The Fringe, and won Critic's Pick in fringe festivals in Toronto, Winnipeg, Victoria, Vancouver and Edmonton.
Week two of the Revolutions International Theatre Festival also brings Michael McClure, Beat poet and Obie award winning playwright, back to Albuquerque to present a staged reading of his new play, "The Red Snake."
Tricklock Company, then known as Riverside, toured McClure's "The Beard" in 1999-2000 and won best show at the Seattle Fringe Festival. The Company and playwright will collaborate again tonight at The Outpost Performance Space at 7:30. McClure will hold a Q&A session and book signing after the reading.
Tricklock Company can also be seen doing its thing at Theatre X with "Dandelion Clockwork," a highly stylized look and feel of silent film and film noir. The horrifically absurd "Dandelion Clockwork" was created by the company and directed by Shenoah Allen of "Sabotage" fame.
Festival shows are $10. Opening nights of "Tuesdays and Sundays," "Dandelion Clockwork" and "Crave" are pay what you can. Call 254-8393 for Tricklock and Outpost performances and 277-4569 for Theatre X and Rodey Theatre performances.
