Event Details

Talk Is Free Theatre is based in Barrie, Ontario. The company was founded in 2002 by Artistic Producer Arkady Spivak and since then has produced sixty productions. Our mission is to produce and to develop a wide range of ensemble-based programming, concentrating largely on new writing, rediscoveries of neglected work from the past and drastic re-examinations of classical repertoire.

This application is for "Rule, Britannia!", a new project at Talk is Free Theatre that will take place March 29 to June 16, 2012. In order to commemorate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, TIFT has commissioned two new works: (1) a musical version of Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” and (2) a contemporary version of a classic J.M. Barrie fantasy, "Peter Pan", taking place in contemporary Canada. Both "Great Expectations" and "Parkdale Peter Pan" will reflect upon the role British culture played in the formation and in the history of the Barrie region. They will have their world premiere at TIFT, as part of its 10th Anniversary Season.

(1) “Great Expectations” is a new a musical version of Charles Dickens’ novel, adapted and directed by Richard Ouzounian. The production will begin in 1812 and travel 200 years to 2012. Musical numbers will be either from the existing repertoire between 1812 and 2012 (depending on where the story would be in a given historical period) or newly written, “mock” material in the music style of the appropriate time periods. Performances will take place March 29 to April 14, 2012.

(2) “Parkdale Peter Pan” is a new adaptation of JM Barrie’s work by Eric Woolfe, which begins in modern day Canada, and journeys to the timelessness of the Never Land and back again. It will be performed by two actors, with the remainder of the characters brought to life with colourful masks, puppets and magic tricks. Performances will take place May 29 to June 16, 2012.

These two productions will be bundled under a common project banner entitled “Rule, Britannia!” They will be marketed together and will be accompanied by ancillary activities; including historical exhibits in the theatre lobby and talk back conversations with experts in history and English literature.

Partners include the City of Barrie and Tourism Barrie.