Myth of the Ostrich by Matt Murray
August 18 – 21, 24, 26 at Venue 8: Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre

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An interview with Kendra Connor.

Describe your show in one sentence.

A fresh and funny Canadian comedy about motherhood and miscommunication.

Okay, now that we’re intrigued… what’s the longer description of your show?

Deliciously witty, endearing and smart, Myth of the Ostrich is a madcap romp by one of Canada’s most exciting young playwrights,  Matt Murray. It played to sellout crowds at both the Toronto Fringe and the Next Stages Theatre Festival and was a smash hit as part of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s 2015/2016 season.

The play centres around Holly Mills, who should be finishing her book but can’t quite seem to get started. Distraction comes to her in the form of Pam, who’s found a love letter from her teenaged son to Holly’s and has some serious questions about it. Newfie neighbour Cheryl stops by with a delivery of mysterious cookies and the day dissolves into chaos. Everyone is in for a mind-expanding afternoon.

How did you discover Myth of the Ostrich and why did you want to bring it to Edmonton?

Jenny McKillop and I were looking for a female-focused play as a follow up to Airswimming, our debut show with Praise Doris Productions. Myth of the Ostrich was suggested to us by our awesome director pal, Brenley Charkow, who’d seen the show in its sold-out premiere run in Toronto and loved it. This is the first time the play has been done in Alberta, as far as I know.

As producers, we’ve made it a priority to present plays that pass the Bechdal test. This play certainly does that, and a whole lot more. It’s uproariously funny and endearingly sweet—we can’t think of a better reason to bring it to Edmonton.

Please describe the three characters in the show and the relationship they form with one another.

Holly is desperately trying to finish her next book and unfortunately dealing with a terrible bout of writer’s block. She’s an earthy, open, permissive sort of mom to her son, Jodi, who’s newly out and exploring his sexuality. Pam is pretty much the exact opposite—tightly-wound, traditional, and trying very hard to understand her own teenaged son, Evan, who seems to be slipping away from her. She’s discovered a love letter written by her son to Holly’s, and since Evan isn’t supposed to be dating, she’s come to Holly’s place to find out what’s going on. Cheryl, Holly’s best friend and supplier of special cookies, stops by to make a delivery and stays to help her keep a very important secret from Pam. Cheryl’s a hoot, a brassy, loud, no-nonsense kinda gal from Newfoundland. Bring on the Newfie jokes!

Anything else you want audiences to know about the show?

Secrets are kept, discoveries are made, and we even build a blanket fort. I’m not kidding. Come see this funny, funny show!

The 36th Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival is August 17 – 27. Get your tickets at tickets.fringetheatre.ca starting August 9.