The Canadian College of Performing Arts mounts two intense dramatic adaptations revealing two vastly different worlds.
The Triangle Factory Fire Project, by Christopher Piehler and Scott Alan Evans, is a dramatic retelling of the fire in New York that caused the death of 146 garment workers, mainly young immigrant girls.
“The play is a look into the sweatshops of New York City in 1911, and the justice system at the time,” says director Jessica Van der Veen. “The characters are diverse and charming and determined to build a new life. This play couldn’t be more timely.”
The story follows the fire, the manslaughter trial of the owners and the public outrage that led to renewed health and safety laws across the United States.
The second feature is Dylan Thomas’ soulful yet comical tale Under Milk Wood.
“Originally a radio play, Thomas is able to convey the life of the people of Llareggub (bugger-all spelled backwards), through some of the most beautiful language ever written for the English Stage,” says director Alison Greene. The cast includes unrequited lovers, gossips, prostitutes, bigamists, a Methodist minister and ghosts; all interwoven into a day in the life of the village.
Both run March 2 though 4 at the CCPA Performance Hall, 1701 Elgin Rd. The Triangle Factory Fire Project runs Friday 7:30 p.m. and Saturday 2 p.m. Under Milk Wood is Friday 2 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $16 to $25 and available at ccpacanada.com or 250-595-9970.