THUNDER BAY – Magnus Theatre is launching their 2018-19 Season with a story ripped from the headlines. BANG BANG by Kat Sandler is timely, relevant, funny and at times explosive. It takes on a host of important issues such as police violence, race, identity, privilege and cultural appropriation, wrapped in a fast-paced and sometimes hilarious comedy-drama.
A white playwright uses the shooting of an unarmed young Black man by a police officer as a “jumping off point” for his hit play that is soon to be adapted into a major movie. As Hollywood comes knocking for the writer, he makes a surprise visit to the home of the officer involved in the shooting incident. BANG BANG traces the impact of what it means to be inspired by true events and the effects that art may have on the people involved. The play asks “how does one engage in the experience of someone else, without introducing one’s own biases?”
“This is a great new play, the story of a family grappling with the realities of a violent act and the repercussions of their story being turned into entertainment,” says Magnus Theatre Artistic Director Thom Currie. “What constantly strikes me about BANG BANG is how gripping it is, how topical it is and just how damned funny it is.” Currie warns that the play is not for the faint of heart and that BANG BANG contains some extremely adult language.
The cast is a diverse and eclectic mix of modern Canadian Theatre. Jenni Burke is an award-winning actor who has appeared on screen and stages and across Canada, from the National Arts Centre to Canadian Stage. In addition to being a well-known playwright, Paul Dunn’s theatre credits include 7 season at the Stratford Festival, as well as stops at Centaur Theatre, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre and Thousand Islands Playhouse. Tarick Glancy enjoys a healthy film and television career and has performed at the London’s Grand Theatre and Toronto’s Lower Ossington Theatre. Meghan Swaby is a busy Toronto actor who has performed with b current, Necessary Angel, Blyth Festival, Roseneath Theatre, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, The Kitchen (NYC), Nightwood Theatre and Obsidian Theatre. Thunder Bay actor Andrew Cecon, last seen at Magnus in Miracle On 34th Street, has worked extensively across Canada in both film and theatre.
BANG BANG premiered at the Factory Theatre in Toronto in February 2018, where it was an enormous hit and was held over. Kat Sandler is an award-winning playwright, actress, and theatre director. Her plays include Delicacy, Punch Up and Mustard, which won a Dora Award for Best New Play.
BANG BANG runs at Magnus Theatre September 6-22, 2018, and is recommended for an adult audience. For tickets visit magnustheatre.com, call 807-345-5552 or visit the box office at the theatre. Evening Performances are Tuesday to Saturday at 7:30 pm, with Matinee Performances Wednesday at 12 pm and Saturday & Sunday at 2:00 pm. PAY WHAT YOU CAN on Sunday, September 15th.
