 |
|
— Production Poster THE PROGRESSIVE POLYGAMISTS: THE SWEETEST REFORMERS Two Wrongs That Write present a satirical comedy... “ * * * * * ” - Star Phoenix What would it be like if your best friend was your sister-in-law, AND your husband’s wife? Join these sweet “sister wives” from a BC polygamist society, in this satirical comedy, as they “reform” their way across Canada – revealing their side of polygamy, the real side. “WE ARE HERE TO GIVE YOU THE FACTS!” Through audience participation, Polygamist research, character mash ups, jump rope, history, and song, the Progressive Polygamists shine a new light on this topical and controversial community, that leaves audiences wondering the right and wrongs of polygamy and its role in Canadian society today. Let there be no doubt though, that this show is a full throttle, interactive, intensely sweet comedy, that has been stylistically compared to the work of Daniel MacIvor and the best of SNL’s female comedians. In all certainty, the Vancouver Fringe Festival audience will be in hysterics over the antics and highjinx from two of Vancouver’s most promising upcoming performers, Emmelia Gordon and Pippa Mackie, as the lovable “sister wives,” Mercy Eve and Eden Grace. Destined to be a hit of the festival, Vancouver fans of comedy and theatre will not want to miss this rare opportunity to see this exciting new work.
Tucked safely away in the Creston Valley of British Columbia is Canada’s most controversial community. Now, in 2011, with more than 1,000 members living in Bountiful, the B.C. Supreme Court will weigh the evidence and make the decision to either “legalize polygamy or strengthen the 120-year prohibition against plural marriage.” The Genesis of the case is thus; longstanding allegations of child brides, sexual exploitation, forced marriage, abuse of public funds and human trafficking to neighbouring Utah communities. Performers Emmelia Gordon and Pippa Mackie are among the first to bring this topic to the stage. By genuinely playing two child brides from the Bountiful community they allow a closer look at Canada’s best-kept religious secret.
In its first year of productions: The Progressive Polygamists have already won a B.C. Buds Festival main stage spot, and the Cultural and Artistic Leadership Program Grant from the National Theatre School of Canada for their original work and cultural leadership. Both originally from British Columbia, Studio 58 Graduate and Jessie Award recipient Emmelia Gordon and National Theatre School Graduate Pippa Mackie, co-created the company Two Wrongs That Write in association with their show The Progressive Polygamists: the Sweetest Reformers. The real importance of the show became clear after Emmelia and Pippa attended the court case in Vancouver at BC’s Supreme Court. They embarked on a cross Canada tour this summer, where they performed in the Toronto & Saskatoon Fringe Festivals to sold out houses. Now, they return to their hometown for the 2011 Vancouver FRINGE festival.
Venue: Studio 16 | 1545 West 7th Avenue | Sept 8-18, 2011 | Opening Sept.8, 8:15pm | Tickets $14 | Vancouver International Fringe Festival www.vancouverfringe.com | More info at www.progressive-polygamists.ca This CALP project was made possible through the financial support of the National Theatre School of Canada.
|
