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Urbanvessel and The Theatre Centre Present 'Stitch' - An a cappella opera for 3 women and 3 sewing machines
Premiere Performance March 12-16, 2008 At Lennox Contemporary, Performed by Christine Duncan, Patricia O’Callaghan and Neema Bickersteth
Stitch, a new opera for 3 women and 3 sewing machines, premieres in a former sweatshop at World Stage 08/ The FreeFall Festival. Created by composer Juliet Palmer “ideas and methods to the left of normal” (LA Times) and librettist Anna Chatterton “droll and outrageous” (Globe & Mail) Stitch uncovers the emotional layers of the relationship between woman and barely-tamed machine. Anchored in the sounds and rhythms of sewing, Stitch features the wild and sublime voices of Christine Duncan, Patricia O’Callaghan and Neema Bickersteth. Acclaimed director Ruth Madoc-Jones teams up with choreographer Marie-Josée Chartier and designers Sarah Armstrong (set and costume) and Kimberly Purtell (lighting) in this premiere production.
From the abuse of the sweatshop to the fantasy of costume and the empowerment of sewing-it-yourself, the sewing machine has been a force for liberation and exploitation since its invention in the 19th century. Hemmed in by the language of sewing and the inexorable rhythm of the machine, three women fight to find space for imagination and individuality. From the sweet 3-part stylings of “Cowl-neck Blues” to the fierce interlocked minimalism of “Chain Stitch, Lock Stitch, Whip Stitch”, Stitch gives voice to the unseen women who clothe us all.
Christine Duncan “…smooth as honey throughout her five-octave range”
(The Globe and Mail)
Patricia O’Callaghan “the most promising cabaret performer of her generation”
(Billboard Magazine)
Neema Bickersteth “amazing control of her vocal palette…warm and sensual”
(Opera Canada)
Music: Juliet Palmer
Text: Anna Chatterton
Direction: Ruth Madoc-Jones
Set and Costume: Sarah Armstrong
Lighting: Kimberly Purtell
Movement: Marie-Josée Chartier
Stitch
A co-production by urbanvessel and The Theatre Centre
presented by The FreeFall Festival in partnership with Harbourfront Centre’s World Stage
March 12-16, 2008
Wednesday, March 12 at 7:30pm; Thursday, March 13 at 7:30pm; Friday, March 14 at 8pm;
Lennox Contemporary: 12 Ossington Avenue
Tickets: $10 matinee, $20 evening performances
Advance tickets: tel. 416-973-4000
Same day tickets: The Theatre Centre Box Office, 1087 Queen Street West
www.theatrecentre.org
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