New Production 'La Cucina' Set for 2016 Toronto Fringe Festival

The romantic notion of purchasing one's ancestral home, in Elio Scorsini's case, in northern Italy, conjures up dreams of an idyllic lifestyle of extended vacations, perhaps even retirement. But family histories and closet skeletons can easily get in the way of even the best laid plans. This is the story of a young man who emigrated from war-ravaged Italy in 1950 to provide a better future for his family in Canada, and the events that befell the people he left behind. It reminds us of the thousands of Italians who came to this country seeking their fortune, only to realize that they would never move back to their beloved, but damaged homeland.

The title, La Cucina, means "the kitchen" which represents the heart of every home, no matter your origin. The kitchen is where all the action takes place, as the play moves back and forth between the 1980s and the years from 1945 to 1950. Although it is set mostly in the past, this four act play will resonate with anyone whose family has left their place of birth to come to Canada in search of a better life.

The cast is comprised of varied performers, some of whom will be on stage for the first time, (Marisa and John Bressan) and some who have participated in Festival productions in the past (Gregory Willmot, Robert Morgenhauser, and Valentyn Korotkevych).

This is the first play written by John Bressan, and it is based on the experiences and reality faced by his parents, Ottorino and Lina, when they emigrated to Canada. John wrote this play in their honour, and to memorialize his parents in the hearts and minds of his children and grandchildren whom they never lived to get to know. Although the details are fictional, the story is filled with memories from John's childhood, and impressions gathered from his family's friends and relatives. John hopes that Festival-goers will find something in it that speaks to their own family histories.... whatever they might be.

Toronto Fringe Festival

July 1 to July 10, 2016

Seven performances at the Toronto Factory Studio Theatre