Aliens are coming, but shhhhhhh! Don't tell anyone. Let me back up a bit.
Last October-November, when I knew all my work contracts were over and was in a bit of a "what do I do now" spiral, I got a lovely offer to work with a French production company in Ottawa called Groupe des deux. G2 is neat because they do that thing all artists should probably do more of: they take their time. I think this is pretty normal behaviour in the French theatre community, but I so rarely see it in English. G2 can take up to a few years to develop a new work from the initial idea phase, through a series of workshops and labs, all the way up to the production itself.
Which brings me back to Pop Fiction.
Pop Fiction is a whole new concept that brings together fiction and pop in order to foster communication between people. The show, through phenomenal means, dives deep into the communication problems of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Pop Fiction, as it ponders grave and touching topics, nevertheless finds a way to make you laugh from the beginning to the end!
FYI, that right there? Is just a hoax! What I can’t tell you is that this is in fact the first contact with a species from outer space... but sshh... don't tell anyone or, we could all be in danger...
Yup. Aliens.
I came in late into the process for Pop Fiction, but let me tell you, I have seen these aliens with my own eyes and it is one of the most spectacular sights I have ever witnessed on any indie Ottawa theatre stage. I would show you photos, but the government confiscated my phone... Chances are they may delete this message now that I've posted it so you need to act quick if you want to be in on what is sure to be a global phenomenon! Tickets are $15 in advance through Eventbrite, but $20 at the door.
"But Nancy," I hear you say (and why are you yelling at your computer?) "didn't you just say the play was in French? I don't understand French."
Worry pas ta tête, mon ami.
This is actually a co-lingual production. Yes, after all this time wanting to work with a French theatre company, I am speaking English... sort of... again, I can't spoil anything, you just kind of have to be there. If you have a very basic understanding of French, you will be able to follow along and, trust me, the visuals will be worth it. Oh and if my presence isn't enough for you, the English contingent is also represented by the incredibly talented, multi-Rideau award nominated, Michelle LeBlanc, and the whole thing is co-director by the wonderful Natalie Joy Quesnel.
So, get your tickets, bring your headphones, or use the ones provided for you by the theatre (yup, you'll be using headphones... I'd tell you more, but if I did the government would shut down the internet...) and get your butt down to Arts Court for an experience you're not likely to forget.
Pop Fiction runs from January 22 to February 1st (Wed to Sat) at 8 p.m. at Arts Court Theatre, 2 Daly Ave., Ottawa.