Catch the Keys is incredibly honoured to be Catalyst Theatre‘s 2015 Company in Residence. Over the course of our residency, we will workshop our newest stagework, Ursa Major.
Ursa Major is based on the true story of the Sisters Dart’s grandparents, who were severely injured in a tragic car accident on Highway 2 in 1999. The accident left their grandfather, Jim, in a coma, from which he awoke severely brain damaged. Their grandmother, Lynn, walked away from the accident with comparatively minor injuries. When faced with the decision to either let Jim go, or become his full time caregiver, Lynn told the doctors: “he has cared for me my entire life, I must care for him now.”
Ursa Major is a physical exploration of timeless love and devotion, and the strange world that exists between consciousness and unconsciousness. Ursa Major will use elements of contemporary choreography, integrated sound design – including the development of thematic scores written by local musician Leif Ingebrigsten to be incorporated into the overall soundscape – and interactive projections to seamlessly travel between raw reality and dreamlike unconsciousness.
Our thanks to Jonathan Christenson, Eva Cairns, Lana Hughes and the rest of the Catalyst Theatre team for their unbelievable support, and the immeasurable gift of time, space and mentorship throughout the workshop process. And our thanks to the incredible Vern Thiessen, Artist Director of Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre, who has come on board as our dramaturg.
Ursa Major
Catch the Keys Productions (2015)
an invited workshop production
Saturday, March 28 | 2pm-4pm
Written by Megan Dart
Directed by Beth Dart
Starring Paula Humby and Cliff Kelly
Original Composition by Leif Ingebrigsten
Choreography by Ainsley Hillyard
Projection Design by Matt Schuurman
Set Design by Kevin Green
Costume Design by Cheyenne Sykes