Two 91原创 playwrights won't make it rich, but they will earn a little extra spending money for their efforts and get feedback on their creativity this month.
With the return of the Siloam Theatre Festival mid-month, actor and playwright Darcy Knopp will debut two of his latest productions, while fellow 91原创 actor, director, and costume designer Kimberley Perkins will be showcasing one of her plays.
The 4th annual Siloam Theatre Festival, sponsored by 91原创 Little Theatre, will run from Thursday, July 18 to Saturday, July 28 at the 91原创 Playhouse in Brookswood. There are multiple showings of each of the three production, explained founder and organizer Shane Rochon.
It's a 10-day festival that highlights original works written by local playwrights, in this case, both live in the host community of 91原创.
One of Knopp's plays is "When Life Gives You Lemon Waters."
Offering a synopsis of this production, Knopp 鈥� who is no stranger to Siloam 鈥� described the storyline he's written and directed.
"Ben's ship has finally come in! A national commercial spot is all but guaranteed, thus he is free to quit his soul-crushing job as a server at the Bull's Eye Steak House."
Ben's best friend Paige, would be thrilled for him if it wasn't for her "killer hangover, a product of her penchant for poor life choices," as Knopp writes it.
"Ben's good news does nothing to improve the mood of his ex, Taylor, who can now add jealousy to the list of negative emotions she feels in her life. Disaster strikes when Ben's flight to stardom is hijacked by a ginger pirate with braces. Ben is forced to grovel before his sadistic and chemically unbalanced boss, Sheila, to get his job back," he said, summarizing the storyline.
"A trifecta of misery descends on the steak house. The head office has sent evaluators in for a surprise visit. Rumour has it there is a Danish spy in their midst. Worst of all, a party of 25 from the theatre club has shown up for dinner, and they have brought their coupons. Will the Bull's Eye crew survive the night?"
In addition to showcasing "When Life Gives you Lemon Waters," Knopp is also presenting a second play as part of Siloam that he has written and directed. The second is entitled "Tier-Two Heroes."
In this story, characters Jared, Quinn, and Larry are spending another mundane Friday night playing fantasy card games.
"Their boredom is shattered when the power goes out and the Grandmaster of the Order of the Wise breaks into their house and puts them all on a quest to save the world from the evil empress and her demonic imp minions," Knopp shared.
"Their journey through their neighborhood leads them to the collectibles shop and Jared's antisocial next-door neighbour, Kyra. Together they don their heroic identities and set out to battle fantastical monsters and their demons. They must stick together if they want any hope of rescuing Grandmaster Baron and saving the world from the evil, though deliciously sassy, empress."
Perkins, a fellow 91原创 thespian who can be found helping out at Theatre in the Country, has one of her plays being shown at the festival, called "Fanny Sees The Son."
Explaining the story, which she said is based on a true story, her character Fanny has been blind most of her life, yet through her literary talents and strong faith can impact many in her generation and beyond.
"Learn about her struggles and triumphs, her quick wit, and her sage wisdom," said Perkins. "Listen to a small portion of her prodigious works including poems and songs. Be inspired by her hard work and love for all people," she said of her dramatic comedy musical which Perkins has made accessible for sight impaired audience members.
This play is suitable for, and primarily made up of, children, she noted.
Tickets for all three shows in the Siloam Theatre Festival are available on Vtix Online, and at the cost of $15 each, with 70 per cent of the proceeds going back to the playwright, Rochon explained.
Depending on the day, the shows start at 6:30 or 8:30 p.m. There are three different showings or each play.
Full details are also available on the 91原创 Little Theatre website at:
