The Knowing Bird by Ron Chambers
Foreground: Rylan Wilkie and Gemma James-Smith as Jimmy and DianaBackground: Elinor Holt and Brian Dooley as Lucy and Walt from The Knowing Bird.
Photo by Trudie Lee.
Who was your favourite character in The Knowing Bird? Why?
Please share your comments on the play.
Please share your comments on the play.
19 comments:
I liked Walt the best, somehow he seemed the most genuine, a sort-of common man. I liked the metaphor of the smorgasbord as life...as Stan Rogers said, when sampling life, take big bites. I did feel the first act was excellent, and set up numerous possibilities, but the second act wandered a bit, and could have come to a clearer and more direct conclusion. Still, excellent work by all of the cast.
I have been attending for several seasons and this is in the top 3. Excellent thoughts on what we are like and how we affect one another. That while we go for what is easiest in our lives be it food, money, sex. The bird echos that and it looks good but the truth is shown after and its a awful place that leaves one alone and empty.
The things that really make life worthwhile are the relationships and love we share that drives us and then we can see the beauty of life and truly live and love.
wonderful and refreshing honesty, thank you!
I have been a season's ticket holder with ATP for almost 20 years. This was, without exaggeration, one of the most entertaining, thought-provoking, thoroughly enjoyable pieces of theater I've ever had the pleasure to watch. The acting was superb. The topic was engaging. The comedic timing was perfect. I attended on opening night (Friday) - thank you for making the work week end on such a high note.
For anyone who has struggled with weight and the meaning of life, this show is fun and entertaining.
Great acting from everyone, especially John Kirkpatrick and Brian Dooley.
Terrible. Stutt Pottruff
This was, in my humble opinion, one of the best PlayRites productions I've seen in going to several years of performances. The cast did a superb job.
RW
I expect more of a company that has a mandate to stage new Canadian plays - "trust your guts, embrace risk, thrive on the unknown". This play is something I expect to see on a TV sitcom, with ridiculous sub-plots and the "over the top" acting. This play had the opportunity to deal with serious issues in a meaningful way, but instead went for every cheap laugh possible. And people make fun of reality TV!
I was so impressed with this piece. I thought the subject matter was handled with the perfect balance of humor and sensitivity even if I do feel that the fit/fat argument is getting old. I was much more engaged when the character of Lyle (hilarious) entered, albeit a little awkwardly, because it gave a fresh twist on the debate of what’s “healthy”. Either way, it was very easy to watch and enjoy. And once again, the production values were first class, (Brian Dooley’s costumes alone deserve a medal!) and the acting was stellar, (again- Brian Dooley- awesome). For some reason I can’t get the image of Rylan Wilkie doing the shower head dance out of my head. And thank you to Mr.Dooley for his enlightening video posts. Great job!
By far the best show so far this season...too bad our seat friends had to miss this one. Excellent cast, all members did a wonderful job...could not single out anyone. Would like to see this come back some day as a main stream production...but would the same chemistry be there? Congrats to all involved .
Well-executed play with an original plot, addressing universal themes - parental love and what it means to be "human". I've not seen obesity tackled that often in a play, particularly in a male character, and yet of course, the play wasn't really about losing weight! The suspense surrounding the "special guest" promised by the doctor at the close of the second act was effective in making us want to come back and see what happens. However, I did not find Lyle's character to be as much of a catalyst as expected. Diana's character in the first half was all too familiar, especially in a city like Calgary! Unfortunately, probably not too many people like her attend Playrites! Overall an entertaining, well-written and well-acted play, which I hope will have a life beyond the Festival.
The Knowing Bird was right on in terms of how I think about addictions. They are incredibly hard to mitigate, let alone change. I was really involved in the play. The ending was neat. I think most of the audience wasn't sure how to react.
The very first word spoken on stage was "Jesus", and it was used as a curse word. And then several more times as well. Why would you open a play with blasphemy?
Although I 'get' the playing off of the two addictions, I found the role of Lyle crass and totally offensive. I know many people find such humor completely acceptable; but for those of us who don't, why not include a 'thematic' warning on your program site? My friend would never have bought these tickets had she known what lay ahead.
I thought the show was boring, unfunny, and dumb. The production team salvaged some nice moments, but Chamber's writing lacked the quality I'd expect from ATP.
When Iwas watching the play I was thouroughly surprised that a playwrights festival was featuring such a weak script. I felt like I was watching the stage equivalent of American Pie or some other b-movie that relies on dick and fat jokes.
Its a shame that some people pick apart a great night out and cannot see the little pieces that make a play remind us of ourselves.
The way in which the play was structured was brilliant. To return to the past on a moments notice without the magic of television,use your imagination.
The acting was great as well, its hard to be a critic about acting if you are not able to get your ass up and do it. And to those who cringe "yes I wrote ass", Lighten up a little.
I enjoyed the play, and so did my company. Thanks ATP for the evening out.
Life's to short, to take so seriously.
What is the first thing you do before you go to a play?
You find out what it is about.
I mean, why go to it if you think that you are going to be "offended" or "bored" as some people who obviously have to much time on their hands, to openly insult and degrade other peoples hard work. Every single play has something that you can take away from it. Be it a lesson, or just an enjoyable night.
It is just rude and disrespectfull to comment on everything bad in play and not appreciate it for its meaning and worth.
If you are going to be offended with such "blasphemy" as "Jesus" then i think something with brighter colors, and bubbly characters such as something with a G rating might be more appropriate to you. We would not want to damage your morals with such curse words.
To everyone who put any work into this play, we, who appreciate theatre and all that it is worth thank you.
Another fabulous ATP production. The cast was phenomenal.
Walt's character was facinating. His noble struggle throughout the play was inspiring, even if there were setbacks than successes.
I also enjoyed watching Diana's character become more elightened as the play went on. During some of her scenes I was wishing I could visit Italy again soon.
Excellent job everyone.
Loved it. Someone needs to give Ms. Gemma James-Smith a medal for those italian names! Whew!
Great all the cast were excellent with Brian numero uno!! sorry but I missed the reference to the Knowing Bird so the title still mystifies me. hr
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