Slack Tide by Bevin Dooley
Remaining shows: August 21, 24, 26, 27 at Venue #8: Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre
An interview with Bevin Dooley.
Describe your show in one sentence.
What do you do when you can’t forgive, you can’t forget, and you can’t just say you’re sorry?
Okay, now that we’re intrigued… what’s the longer description of your show?
Matty, two months out of prison, is desperate to atone for an act that blew up the friendship between himself, his sister Annie, and their friend Mary. It’s been six years since they last spoke to or saw each other. Everyone is desperately trying to move forward; some are doing a better job than others. When the three meet, it’s a test of the limits of forgiveness.
What is the meaning behind the play’s title, Slack Tide?
A slack tide, or the stand of the tide, is a moment in a body of tidal water when it appears almost totally placid. There is no movement in or out, and it occurs before the direction of the tidal stream switches. It’s a moment of stillness, but there’s anticipation as well.
What is the relationship between the play’s three characters, Matty, Annie, and Mary?
Matty and Annie are brother and sister, though they’ve become estranged over the past six years while Matty was in prison. Mary is a childhood friend of theirs, whose sister, Rose, used to be involved with Matty. And where’s Rose? I can’t tell you…just come and see the play.
Anything else you want audiences to know about the show?
I feel very fortunate to have three stellar actors in the show (Merran Carr-Wiggin, Chris W. Cook, and Julia Guy), and to have been able to collaborate so closely with Wayne Paquette on its production.
Also: bring tissues.
The 36th Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival is August 17 – 27. Get your tickets at tickets.fringetheatre.ca .