HUFF
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| Cliff Cardinal in Huff; Image by Elizabeth Kantor |
Monday
night, Huff opened its Magnetic North Theatre Festival run to a sold out
crowd. You still have a chance to see the “darkly comedic journey” set on a First Nations reserve tonight through
Saturday (June 25-28). Meet the play’s designer and producer, Elizabeth Kantor,
who hopes audiences “leave with sweaty palms, beating hearts and brains full of
questions machinating away.”
When and why did you first become interested in theatre?
EK: I first became interested in theatre at barely four years old
when my Grandmother took me to see the Nutcracker. The whole experience was
magical. From then on I wanted nothing more than to be a part of it. A part of
the storytelling, a part of a community, a part of the spark when the story
meets the audience.
Are they the same reasons that you continue to be involved
today?
EK: Today I work to tell
stories that are socially and politically relevant – current, and in need of
greater exposure, deeper dialogue. I’m hungry for the opportunity to confront
the public, the audience, with a greater proximity to their humanity. Inspiring
empathy in others is the greatest reward, and the ultimate motivation.
What are the challenges of the vocation?
EK: The challenges of
creating theatre are mental, emotional, physical- the business of art-making on
the whole is a life path that stretches you, that pushes you right up against
what you thought you were capable of and then whispers: “Really? Are you sure
you can’t go just a little further?”
What are the rewards?
EK: The fruits of the
challenges.
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| Designer/producer Elizabeth Kantor |
Is your creative process more 'inspirational' or
'perspirational'?
EK: It’s always both. They
go hand in hand. It’s the vision, the image of the destination, and the drive,
the foot on the gas to get there.
What can audiences here expect to experience with Huff?
EK: Expectations are a
tricky thing. I hope the Halifax audiences have an experience with Huff. I
hope they leave with sweaty palms, beating hearts and brains full of questions
machinating away.
What can Canadian theatre be doing better?
EK: Everything. If we’d found the ultimate solution, method,
formula – the work wouldn’t be nearly as compelling. Of most particular
note though: inclusivity and engagement. The demographic on stage and in the
audience remains largely homogenous. This is something that’s changing – but
needs acceleration.
What's next on your creative agenda?
EK: Create every day. A piece of writing, a photo, a pie - create,
create, create. That's the agenda.
Huff
Performed by Cliff
Cardinal
Directed by Karin Randoja
Designed by Elizabeth Kantor
Cardinal/ Kantor Productions (Toronto, ON)
Directed by Karin Randoja
Designed by Elizabeth Kantor
Cardinal/ Kantor Productions (Toronto, ON)
