The Middle of Everywhere
La Cite Francophone, L’Uni Theatre August 14 – 24 (various dates, check the Fringe website for more information)
More information: wonderheads.com
An interview with Kate Braidwood of Wonderheads
Emily Windler & Kate Braidwood in The Middle of Everywhere. Photo credit: Andrew Phoenix
Describe your show in five words.
‘Live-action Pixar’ comedy adventure!
Okay, now that we’re intrigued… what’s the longer description?
8-time Best of Fest winners WONDERHEADS are back with their larger than life masks and a story that bends time and space in a journey of epic proportions! Winston is expecting a perfectly normal day when the appearance of eleven year old Penny at his bus stop upsets his steadfast routine. But what he doesn’t realize is that today Penny would be the least of his worries; the universe has conspired to send these strangers on a formidable and fantastical journey…but will they listen to their cosmic wake up call? ★★★★ – CBC. ★★★★ – Winnipeg Free Press.
Wonderheads specializes in mask performance. Why choose that particular artistic form to tell this show? What does a mask allow you to do that you might not be able to otherwise accomplish?
Our masks, almost cartoonish in style, allow us and our audience to step into really whimsical, imaginative territory. It’s perfect for this show since our heroes are whisked around on a fantastical journey through time and space. And you’d think that this style would be best suited to children’s theatre, but we’ve actually found that it’s a great way to deliver a deeper message to adults; the cartoonish quality lets us to tell a story that is set just slightly outside of reality, allowing the audience to connect with it on more of a metaphoric level. It’s fun and accessible, but also lets us connect with our audience’s imaginations and hearts in a really powerful way.
In The Middle of Everywhere, the two characters are transported through space and time. Can you tell us a bit about the universe they are transported through? Is is a modern-day setting, or a fantastical alternate reality?
Our characters begin in a modern-day setting but once their journey begins, the rules are pretty much thrown out the window. They are transported to different times, places and even dimensions. I don’t want to give too much away…but one challenge they find particularly difficult is fending off a t-rex in a prehistoric jungle…
Anything else you want audiences to know about the show?
I mentioned ‘live-action Pixar’, and the show is appropriate for a general audience, but it’s important to note that the show wasn’t created specifically for kids. We always set out to create with an adult audience in mind first – basically to create the kind of shows we ourselves (adults who grew up on Jim Henson and Warner Bros) want to see! Whimsy with an edge.
Bonus question: Any names you want to drop who have been involved in your show (Edmonton arts people or otherwise)?
Hmm, I guess just our own – Wonderheads! Is that allowed?! Edmonton audiences may remember our previous shows Grim and Fischer and LOON, both of which were very warmly received and were honoured with holdovers performances.
The 33rd Edmonton International Fringe is August 14 – 24. I’ll be previewing shows up until the Fringe starts. Want your show to appear on After the House Lights? Email [email protected].