A Slow Air
La Cité Francophone (8627 91 street) August 13, 15 – 17, 20 – 23
More information: blarneyyeg.com
Sharla Matkin and George Szilagyi in A Slow Air. Photo credit Mat Simpson.
An interview with Sharla Matkin and George Szilagyi.
Describe your show in five words.
Old wounds become new chances…
Okay, now that we’re intrigued… what’s the longer description?
Morna works as a cleaner in Edinburgh. She spends her time drinking, attempting affairs and trying to work out the mind of the twenty-year-old son with whom she shares her flat. Her elder brother, Athol, lives near Glasgow airport with his wife. The owner of a floor-tiling company, with two grown-up children, he’s proud of his hard-won achievements since moving west. Between them, they have differing memories of their upbringing and their parents and definite opinions about each other. But these are left unsaid because Morna and Athol haven’t spoken a word to each other in fourteen years. When Morna’s son Joshua travels to see his uncle, he sets off a remarkable and life-changing series of events.
Why did you want to be part of the Canadian premiere of A Slow Air?
Gorgeous script, complex characters, layers of detail. An awesome opportunity for us (George Szilagyi and Sharla Matkin) to tread the boards together again. Our first Fringe show together since our award winning performances in our production of The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine (2003).
What does the title of the play, A Slow Air, signify?
“A slow air” is a Scottish tune played in it’s own time, reflective and heartfelt. This play also follows its own rhythm established by these two complex characters with a shared but conflicted history.
I read that A Slow Air is done in alternating monologue style – how do you create that connection with the actor opposite you when you’re doing a play in that style?
It is tricky sometimes, but by listening to the story the other character is telling and reacting internally we are able to connect with each other in a way. The characters themselves are connected through their recollection of the events, their shared history and their love for each other. No one knows us better than our brothers and/or sisters.
Anything else you want audiences to know about the show?
This is a lovely story of a brother and sister. One that many will relate to. And it’s funny!
Bonus question: Any names you want to drop who have been involved in your show (Edmonton arts people or otherwise)?
Directed by Wayne Paquette, Stage managed by Joan Wyatt, photos by Matt Simpson.
The 34th Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival is August 13 – 23. Get your tickets at tickets.fringetheatre.ca starting today, August 4.