Creation, Ideas and Freakin'

Holy Cool!

Last night I finished up my week long Canstage experience of the Festival of Creation and Ideas.

I didn't know what to expect but it was amazing!

I have never had an experience quite like this one.

First of all working on these pieces was a treat and a challenge.

Working outside your comfort zone it a new enjoyment for me. If you would have told me that 10 years ago I would have laughed in your general direction.

I got to work with Thom Allison, always good shit, Mary Ann McDonald who I have been dreaming of working with forever and Jonathon Munroe who was one of the performers as well as genius composer.

And then add to the mix Jenni Burke, who I went to school with and Ann Morifee, yes, that Ann Morifee. What an inspiring woman.

After hearing her talk for 10 minutes I was all welled up and would have voted for her....for anything.

She has balls and bravery and a spirit that will not quit.

We were all sitting on a break and she said that our's, as performers, was not to worry about who comes to see us or what they think but to dream the dream and hopefully help others dream right back.

Boo hoo and woo hoo.

Anyway, I gush but it isn't often that you get to "play in the sandbox" as Iris Turcott said last night at the presentation.

Also, I forgot to mention that we were also led down the path by the fabulous Martin Julien and my dear friend Neil Bartram.

It was a total pleasure.

Last night was electric.

We were all a little unsure but I really think that added to the evening.

Leslie Arden was there, Vincent De Tourdenett, Corrine Koslo, Paul Ledoux, comedy woman extraordinare Shelley Simester, Damien Atkins, Ian Ross, Ronnie Burkett and a host of others. it was a room full of fabulousness.

We did out thing and it went well.

Then after the piano was open and because of the theme of the evening people like David Sereda and Coco Alcorn got up and sang their own compositions and, my favourite, Leslie Arden sang from Martin Guerre, which was awesome and reminded me of rehearsing that show in that very room 10 years ago .

I do go on.....but it was really cool.

I was inspired to create.

It was something else.

I can't wait to see you all at the party and we will create a freaky night together, all our own!

See you there!