Coming out of the pandemic however, it looks a little different.
The Alumnae Theatre Company in Toronto is performing an integrated virtual/live version of Michel Tremblay’s ‘Albertine in 5 times’ throughout this November.
‘Albertine in 5 times’ marks the Alumnae Theatre Company’s first show of any kind since the pandemic began. It is described on the website as “a five-sided portrait of a fractured woman as versions of herself at ages: 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70.”
The cast for this production is made up of six actors total, with four being projected into the theatre and two performing in the theatre live. The ‘virtual’ actors perform from home and have their upper halves projected onto screens spaced evenly around the stage.
Tickets can be purchased on their website and are on sale until November 20th. Each ticket provides access to a link to the show.
This is Alumnae’s first venture into the integrated virtual/live production format and it is presented as an “On-demand digital production” according to their website.
As reported by those involved, the production came with new and unique challenges.
“It was an excellent exercise in problem-solving and adaptability,” said Director Cassidy Sadler through an email interview. “As we built the show, cast and crew alike were able to develop new technical skills and knowledge.”
While many who enjoy theatre will still look forward to attending productions in person, this new format is being welcomed by the theatrical community.
Sam Mooney has been reviewing theatre in Toronto as a senior writer at Mooney on Theatre for over 13 years. She believes that this new medium is here to stay.
“There’s a place for virtual theatre,” said Mooney in an interview over the phone.
In her opinion, the most crucial aspect when presenting virtually is how the camera is integrated.
“The camera has to be a part of the cast,” she said.
In an article for Impakter, Kate Werrington writes that virtual theatre isn’t a temporary fix to a short problem but simply the evolution of theatre itself.
“It is a necessary component to keeping theatre alive and accessible to all artists and audiences.”
As such, Sadler is proud of what Alumnae was able to accomplish with this production. While it’s easy to look at the pandemic as completely negative, Sadler sees it differently when it comes to theatre.
“Necessity is the mother of invention, and COVID restrictions prompted us to create something innovative, visually striking and newly resonant.”