Tag Archives: Directing

Donna Feore, Director Choreographer

Donna-Card


Donna Feore has choreographed performances at the Opéra National de Lyon France and the Canadian Opera Company but she’s best known for her work directing at the Stratford Festival, North America’s largest classical repertory theatre company.

Her work at the festival includes critically acclaimed productions, all with new choreography, of “Guys and Dolls,” “The Sound of Music,” and “Fiddler on the Roof,” just to name a few.

In 2016 Feore gained notoriety for directing the first ever professional production of “A Chorus Line” with all new, original choreography which Feore created.

I spoke with Feore about her work directing and choreographing the world premiere of “The Hockey Sweater,” a new musical that is based on the beloved short story by Roch Carrier.

The animated short film adaptation of Carrier’s story received the Best Animated Film award at the 1981 British Academy Film Awards.

We talk about the creative process behind adapting the story to a stage musical.

Feore, who is known for seeking out the best actors, also talks about her audition process and what she expects from actors.

Show Notes
Donna Feore on Twitter
The Segal Centre
The Stratford Festival

Brian D. Johnson, Filmmaker, critic

Brian D. Johnson Safer Route (2) (1) (1)

Brian D. Johnson’s work as a journalist explores art with the insight of not only a passionate observer but also an accomplished artist with a fascination for the human condition.

For almost 30 years Johnson was the staff film critic and Arts writer for Macleans, Canada’s top current affairs magazine. He’s retired from Macleans but continues to submit stories while pursuing his own artistic endeavours.

Brian’s directorial debut, the documentary “Al Purdy Was Here,” is a beautiful piece of work on many levels, I think you’ll really enjoy our chat about the creative process behind it.

We discuss everything from Brian’s easy working relationship with Leonard Cohen to the inspiring story behind the creation of a film celebrating one of Canada’s most prolific poets: Al Purdy.

Incidentally, we recorded last year prior to Leonard Cohen’s passing.

Our conversation begins with the fact that more films than ever are being made in Canada but there are less “Canadian” films.

Show Notes
Al Purdy Was Here website
Al Purdy Was Here on iTunes
The Al Purdy A Frame Association website
Follow @briandjohnson on Twitter
Brian D. Johnson Films website
Words the Literary and Creative Arts Festival: WordsFest.ca

Chris Abraham: Director

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Chris Abraham Chris Abraham is the Artistic Director of Crow’s Theatre.

Update
Since recording this interview Chris was awarded Canada’s highest honor in theatre: The $100,000 Eli­nore and Lou Simi­novitch Prize. Read my coverage of the event featuring Rick Miller and Louise Pitre, HERE.

Chris is an award winning theatre and film director, dramaturg and teacher who has worked with Canada’s foremost artists and theatres.

In the podcast we discuss some of his directorial choices, including his work on “Seeds” a documentary about the legal battle between a Saskatchewan farmer and Monsanto, which is “coming soon to a theatre near you” if you live near Montreal, Calgary or Ottawa.

I’m a big fan of his work at The Stratford Festival. His work there has been consistently solid. We discuss his plans for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in 2014 at The Stratford Festival.

Finally we get into his background. Chris didn’t come from a theatre family but by age 14 he knew he wanted to be a director.

Links From The Show

Crow’s Theatre

National Theatre School of Canada Directing Program

Porte Parole

Canadian Stage

The Stratford Festival