STUDY MATERIALS
Laurier (2008)
Synopsis, download the script
The Saskatchewan Rebellion (2007)
Synopsis, characters, download the script, bibliography
The Canadian Pacific Scandal (2006)
Synopsis, characters, download the script, bibliography
Educators' and Artists' comments
Educators' and Artists' comments
Shari Roberts, Grade 8 Teacher, J.D. Hogarth Public School, Fergus, Ontario
My current teaching assignment is Grade 8 English, History and Geography. The Grade 8 History curriculum is particularly challenging. Students find it difficult to relate to the major players in Confederation and the Opening of the West; the politics are confusing and the issues seem somewhat distant.
Astrid Janson, Theatre Designer, eight-time Dora Award recipient (five for Costumes for the History Plays) Having just completed the costume design for Red River Rebellion ( my 8th play in the History series, and 12th VideoCabaret production) I am again struck by the unique contribution Michael Hollingsworth’s play cycle is making to the Canadian theatre scene. There is more talk around town and more “must see” recommendations for any VideoCabaret productions than for just about anything else. Red River Rebellion is obligatory viewing for all the U.of T. Drama Program students including design, performance and directing. VideoCabaret is a considerate employer: even with tight budgets artists are given the necessary resources to create a vision. These productions are so joyfully entertaining, visually exuberant and painlessly educational that I always look forward to VideoCabaret's call to embark on a new project.
Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, President, LEARNXS Foundation, VideoCab Advisor
Toronto is very privileged to have Videocabaret as part of the city. The creative work of this theatre company is without comparison. The quality of the plays -- the writing and all aspects of production -- illustrate the hands and minds of geniuses at work. As important is the response which Videocabaret productions evoke from their audiences. The history of Canada and thestories of the city as told in City for Sale, Confederation, Red River Rebellion, etc., leave audiences feeling passionate about Canada and indeed about history and its relevance to current events. Our Foundation works closely with the educational system and our experience is that there is a crying need for alternative ways of learning. VideoCabaret productions open doors for students, young and old, to experience theatre in an unforgettable way... Toronto and Canada needs more, more, more.
Neil Orford, Secondary School Teacher, Centre Dufferin D.H.S., Shelborne, Ontario
the bubble around me gets bigger and bigger with excitement.”
“They are always a joy. Always love it!”
Angie Silverstein, Secondary School Teacher, Bishop Strachan School and Upper Canada College, Toronto, Ontario
“When I saw one of your productions Canadian History suddenly became exciting. I feel that our students need to become more aware of our dynamic past, and this show will encourage their enthusiasm towards Canada. I am so ebullient about this project as a teacher and a director that
Cynthia Ashperger, Director of Acting Program, Ryerson University
I first saw a Video Cabaret production of the History of the Village of the Small Huts in 1987. The impression that I was left with has stayed with me to this day and I have seen all of the “Histories” since. The acting and writing styles excellently match the distinct production style, which thankfully took a large step away from naturalism. Over the years not only have I watched Mr. Hollingsworth fine-tune his style but I’ve also learned my Canadian history by coming tothese plays as I am originally from Europe... Recently I brought a group of young theatre students to Video Cabaret’s production of the Red River Rebellion. When we discussed the production in the acting class the following day this is what one of the students had to say: “I’m thrilled and very excited by the possibility that one day I too might have an opportunity to do the work such as we have seen last night. I simply loved it and was blown away by it.” That quote was echoed by many of the classmates.
Parallel with watching the “Histories” I’ve also admired the work of Deanne Taylor. Herpolitical satire captures the present as successfully as the “Histories” have done with the past.For the political cabarets Deanne has created her own multimedia theatrical stylewhich accounts for the company’s name, and which abounds with relevance, wit and humor.
The stylistic findings of this company need to be supported and passed on to the next generation of Canadian theatre artists. I can assure you that a company of this quality, consistent success and this prolific would by now have amounted to a national treasure in most European countries and I like think of this company in such terms. Tradition is built by continuous, long-term support.Video Cabaret is irreplaceable in Canadian theatre scene by being both innovative and by now a tradition of its own.
Paul Thompson, Theatre Director; former Director General National Theatre School
“Michael Hollingsworth’s totally original approach has found a way of connecting our past to a contemporary audience with vitality and intelligence."
Joel Grothe, Post-Graduate Student of Theatre, Univ. of Toronto, Univ. of Virgina VideoCabaret Associate Producer/School Campaign/FOH & Box Office ManagerThere is no equivalent to VideoCabaret; there is no theatre company in Canada that chronicles our national history so emphatically and extensively in a completely individual style that is distinctively Canadian. The company is unique in content, unique in form, and unique in process in a way that no other theatre in Canada can lay claim to.
Every young person studying Canadian History should supplement their classroom studies with a visit to a performance of VideoCabaret's presentation of Canada's History plays. The company has seen hundreds of students of all ages come through their doors this year, all of them leavingwith a fresh, exciting new perspective on history. I believe that VideoCabaret's work is as important as any project in Canadian theatre, and that support from Canada's arts councils and governments should reflect that. With greater support, VideoCabaret can extend its sold-out runs to larger audiences.
The importance of the work is further reflected in the fact that VideoCabaret's audience is made up of any extremely high percentage of other theatre artists. As someone from Passe Muraille recently remarked to me, VideoCabaret is the show every actor wants to be doing when theyleave theatre school, and it is a rite of passage in Canadian stage acting.
Rae Johnson, Painter, Associate Professor Ontario College of Art and Design
Deanne and Michael take over where Pierre Berton leaves off in telling the story of our nation, warts and all. It is no accident that these productions have attracted the most talented and intelligent actors and artists...a veritable Who's Who of Canadian theatre and art. The Canadian artistic community recognizes the importance of this work
W.R. Clement, Historian, AuthorIn 1985 when (Michael Hollingsworth) proposed the History Play cycle there was great doubt that such an ambitious project could be completed. Against all odds (the company has) completed it gloriously...earning the respect of the arts community and theatre audience. Now is the time for a wider constituency to discover the wisdom and pleasure of the work.
Ramsay Cook, Historian, Editor of The Dictionary of Canadian Biography
I greatly enjoyed and admired 'The Mackenzie Papineau Rebellion'. Why have I not seen thewhole series? I guess that is my fault, but I hope you will repeat them.
Ron Singer, Professor Emeritus, Theatre Department, York University
I am an ardent fan of VideoCabaret. I have seen literally each and every one of their productions and have frequently taken acting classes with me. I believe their work is exciting, relevant, theatrical, educational and intelligently provocative...
Press Quotes from previous installments of the History Plays:
"Anyone who can make Canadian history this witty and amusing deserves a medal -- the Order of Canada perhaps?" Toronto Star
"VideoCabaret puts the 'story' back into history, and the result is hilarious and irresistible." CBC Radio
"Entertaining, irreverent, colourful and sharply drawn... the cumulative effect is a remarkably funny and highly original form of theatrical satire." Globe & Mail
