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Studio 58, the professional theatre training program at Langara College, proudly presents the Canadian premiere of Jessica Hagedorn’s Dogeaters, based on her novel. Studio 58 graduate Carmen Aguirre (The Refugee Hotel) returns to direct this multilevel portrait of the Philippines' wild and wicked Marcos era. A cock-fighting arena is the inspiration for set designer Naomi Sider (Democracy), while costume designer Barbara Clayden (San Diego) has the backdrop of Manila circa 1982 as her stimulus. Designer Jonathan Ryder (TROY: City of Love) creates the evocative lighting, while Stephen Bulat (A Perfect Wedding) brings to life the disco-infused mania of the 1980’s. Simultaneously hilarious and terrifying, Dogeaters is a swirling mass of vivid imagery evoking the Philippines during the infamous Marcos dictatorship. Boasting fifty characters ranging from prostitutes, politicians and freedom fighters to drag queens, movie stars and Imelda Marcos, the main character is the Philippines herself. Set in 1982, this epic captures a culture that subsists on gossip, religion, sex and soap opera. WARNING: Coarse language, graphic scenes and mature content. Jessica Hagedorn was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to San Francisco in her teens where she studied acting, became a published poet and writer, a singer/songwriter and a multimedia artist. Her first novel, Dogeaters, was published in 1990 and nominated for a National Book Award. Dogeaters, the play, was originally commissioned by the La Jolla Playhouse where it premiered in 1998. A revised version opened to critical acclaim at the Joseph Papp Public Theater in New York City in 2001. As a poet, storyteller, musician and playwright Ms. Hagedorn explores themes dealing with her experiences as a Filipino-American searching for her place between two conflicting cultures.
Written by Jessica Hagedorn, based on her novel Set by Naomi Sider Shows - 8pm Wednesday to Saturday; Matinees 3pm Saturday & Sunday, except September 29; NO SHOWS Mondays or Tuesdays; Single tickets $20.50/16.50/15.50; previews and matinees $11. Tickets Tonight, www.ticketstonight.ca or 604.231.7535. |
