THIS IS A LIVESTREAMED EVENT.

Synopsis & Overview:

Christmas week has arrived but during a global pandemic, the joy and festive feeling is fleeting. The news headlines paint a dim look of the world, from health, political and social viewpoints. The individuals, living in the Pemberton Apartment Building, are trying to make the best of the season, maintaining the illusion that all is ‘normal’ 

Two days before Christmas, an Emergency Broadcast Alert System is signalled. It warns people of a worsening pandemic and of further restrictions to be implemented. The community is forced into confinement and complete lockdown. No one is permitted to leave their home for any reason, or they will face fines and/or imprisonment. 

During this strict quarantine, we catch glimpses of people’s personal stories and struggles. But despite the fear and uncertainty, the people of Pemberton Apartments start to receive messages of hope and inspiration from an unknown author. Unknowingly, the words have impact, as one act of kindness can start a domino effect and ultimately instill changes, big and small. 

Creators’ Notes

Through this vignette-inspired, workshop production, we catch a glimpse or a ‘moment in time’ of the people confined to an apartment building. We endeavoured to create relatable pieces that captured some of the events that people are currently experiencing, while leaving small fragments of hope. 

Each actor received writing prompts that were incorporated in their individual scenes, making the scenes personal and meaningful to the performer. Musical selections were chosen to enhance the scene. The selections were arranged as a mash-up to tie in Christmas with the characters’ emotional story, told through a popular song.

Due to Covid-19, this 2020 workshop production was developed with the health and safety of the cast and crew at the forefront. Social distancing, mask-wearing and indoor social gathering limits have all been complied with. In addition, the cast never attended a full cast rehearsal.

The show was recorded at the TIFTPA studio in Vaughan and will be livestreamed as a ticketed event for a one-time viewing. While the production certainly will have cinematic qualities, we have tried to maintain a theatrical vision and approach to the work so that it can, when safe to do so, be reworked and move seamlessly from filmed production to stage production. 

Further media, like news headlines are pulled from actual current news’ outlets and relevant to the current time. These headlines can transition into projection for a staged production. Additionally, scenes were also filmed via Zoom, to add to the significance of isolated interactions in 2020. 

Liana Del Mastro & Darnell Thomas

Co-Artistic Directors