Reviews: The Birth of Freedom
After receiving nightly standing ovations, the world premiere of Andy Thompson's "politically urgent" play The Birth of Freedom comes to an end.
This is what they said...
"Shockingly realistic... What makes this production so exceptional -
apart from its brutal honesty - are the performances. Each of these characters
is fully dimensional - and absolutely riveting... In a ghoulish sort of way,
these three performers keep you in their thrall through two acts. It's not
only their characters' idiosyncratic behaviour but also their brief moments
of clarity - bordering on brilliance - that hold you."
- Jo Ledingham, Vancouver Courier
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"First time playwright Andy Thompson shows promise and his play is
receiving a good production by a group of talented artists... More risks are
being taken by this co-op than by the established theatres... We do not see
this very often in Vancouver."
- Canada Council for the Arts assessment
"Brilliant! I haven't seen anything that inspired me that much in a
long long time. The inspiration was not only artistic but also I was reminded
how important it is to just do what I believe in."
- Melinda Esworthy, Polliwog Factory Theatre
"[I was] most impressed. In my work I was so often made aware of how
little members of the general public understand about the lives and loves
of people with development challenges. They are real people with the same
range of feelings, emotions, needs, and problems - and your play portrayed
this so well. I laughed and cried and thought that it reflected reality. Thanks
for an excellent production. I just hope that it can be distributed to a wider
audience as it is not only entertaining but educational."
- Joyce Preston, former Child, Youth and Family Advocate for the Province
of B.C. (1995-2001)
"The Birth of Freedom offers a couple of clever twists to
take it behond polemic and into simply interesting theatre."
- Peter Birnie, Vancouver Sun
"It was the best night of theatre I have experienced in a very long
time."
- Brian Anderson, Vancouver TheatreSports League
"Andy Thompson's play The Birth of Freedom brings into sharp
focus the stinging social and political issues that should concern each and
everyone of us. With a poignant mixture of humour and compassion for both
sides he sets before us a scenario that leaves us with much to think about
at the end of the play. And at the end of the day, what is good theatre if
it is not to illuminate and give us something upon which to reflect?"
- Susan Lehmann, Director
"...politically urgent... artistically adept... Thompson has created
some lovely characters... and they're nicely realized... Dion Johnstone is
quietly authentic as the obsessive Robbie. Andrew Olewine is often touching
as Ken. And Colleen Wheeler, who is proving herself to be one of the most
resourceful actors in town, is a knockout as Josie."
- Colin Thomas, Georgia Straight
"I recommended the show to several friends of mine and they loved it.
It is a particular delight to see a new Canadian play directed and acted with
such a high level of craft... a very strong script - I can tell it's been
worked on for a long time and that investment of time and energy really shows
- it moves well - is snappy, moving, and very honest. The direction was clear
and even is the moments of rest there was an accumulation of tension that
had me on the edge of my seat. The actors were absolutely captivating to watch
- I can't remember the last time I've had the pleasure to watch an ensemble
this strong working together. It looked like so much fun I wish I was up there
too. What a solid show..."
- Paulo Ribeiro, Actor
"I was blown away."
- Our most commonly received comment
