Humber Theatre Presents Original Production THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN, Now thru 2/21

From tonight, February 13 to February 21, Humber Theatre presents the provocative This Side of Heaven, an original production co-created and directed by Varrick Grimes and Kiersten Tough, featuring the work of graduating Theatre Performance and Theatre Production students.

This Side of Heaven runs at 7:30 pm at the Humber Studio Theatre at 300 Birmingham Street on February 13, 14, and 17 to 20, with 2 pm matinees on February 15 and February 21. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $5 for Humber Theatre alumni. For tickets or further information, contact 416-675-6622, extension 3080, or email humber.theatre@humber.ca.

Inspired by the works of Al Pittman, Virgil and Shaun Tan, This Side of Heaven is a highly physical production exploring the space between life and death, and the journey of the soul.

This compelling devised work uses promenade staging and a set of recycled objects, encouraging the audience to engage with the action while reflecting on themes of exile and displacement. "We don't take responsibility for the nature of how we produce things in the world, so we create objects that get lost in limbo," explains Grimes. "That's an indicator of how we are also lost in limbo spiritually."

This Side of Heaven is the latest project by frequent collaborators Grimes and Tough. The duo previously teamed up for Like an Old Tale (Jumblies Theatre), works for The Cooking Fire Theatre Festival, and a number of intensives and workshops for Humber College.

In addition to the work of Grimes and Tough, This Side of Heaven features musical direction by Pam Patel, set and costume design by Joanna Yu, lighting design by Laird Macdonald, and sound design by Todd Charlton.

The Theatre Performance program is a three-year professional training program dedicated to preparing diverse artists with an interest in intercultural and multi-disciplinary work. Known as one of Canada's leading actor training institutions, the Theatre Performance program has an exceptional focus on devised and original work through a rigorous combination of physical and classical approaches. Graduates work in theatre, film, and television as actors, directors, producers and writers in diverse styles from Shakespeare to burlesque, from contemporary drama to puppetry. Visit humbertheatreperformance.ca for more information.

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