CONSTELLATIONS to Explore Love Across The Multiverse
By: Julie Musbach Feb. 27, 2018
Opening on Tuesday, February 27, Alberta Theatre Projects is bringing award-winning playwright Nick Payne's international hit Constellations to the Martha Cohen Theatre stage at Arts Commons. Running until Saturday, March 17, the reality-bending play tells the hilarious and touching story of the relationship between two Londoners - Marianne, a physicist at Cambridge University, and Roland, a beekeeper. This witty, modern take on romance explores all the ways love can bring us together or pull us apart.
After a chance encounter at a barbeque introduces Marianne and Roland, the possibility of a spark between them seems unlikely, but what happens next defies our understanding of linear time. Performed in a series of overlapping scenes that take place in ever so slightly different versions of the characters' worlds (formally known in the field of quantum physics as multiverse theory) the play hopscotches through time and space to drop in on some of the scenarios the pair finds themselves in over the course of their courtship, exploring notions of free will and destiny.
"Constellations is a smart and endearing romantic comedy. For me, the play is about possibility," comments Director Valerie Planche, making her directorial debut at ATP. "In a world where every choice exists, I think the play compels audiences to reflect on the limitations we tend to place on ourselves and our relationships."
Originally produced in London's West End, Constellations was later staged on Broadway by the Manhattan Theatre Club in 2014, with Oscar nominee Jake Gyllenhaal (Brokeback Mountain, Nightcrawler) as Roland, and Golden Globe winner and two-time Olivier Award winner Ruth Wilson (The Affair, Luther) playing Marianne.
Drawing inspiration from the real, cutting-edge scientific theories that form the framework for the young couple's limitless encounters, scenarios, and outcomes, Set and Lighting Designer David Fraser places the characters on a sweeping, futuristic stage that's part atomic model, part playground.
"Constellations is irresistibly playful and sexy. The script takes the genre of romantic comedy to new dimensions and it beautifully showcases the stunning performances and great chemistry of two of Calgary's top acting talents - Jamie Konchak and Mike Tan. It is a show that fills your heart and entices your mind," says ATP Executive Director Vicki Stroich.
Constellations runs from February 27 to March 17 at the Martha Cohen Theatre at Arts Commons (215 8 Ave. SE). Tickets are available at www.atplive.com or 403-294-7402.
The play contains mature subject matter and coarse language. Suggested for ages 14+.
A special American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performance of Constellations will take place on March 7, featuring the talents of ASL English interpreters Andrea Sereda and Stephanie Hoebers.
Cast
- Jamie Konchak (Marianne)
- Mike Tan (Roland)
Creative Team
- Nick Payne (Playwright)
- Valerie Planche (Director)
- David Fraser (Set/Lighting Design)
- Hanne Loosen (Costume Design)
- Dave Clarke (Sound Design)
- Karl Sine (Fight Director)
- Jacqui Burnham (ASL Consultant/Instructor)
- Stephanie Hoebers (ASL English Interpreter)
- Andrea Sereda (ASL English Interpreter)
- Johanne Deleeuw (Stage Manager)
- Emma Slunt (Apprentice Stage Manager)
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