During the Alberta Theatre Projects (ATP) season, which runs from September to May, theatregoers can expect two or three world-premier Canadian plays, as well as two or three more by international playwrights. Many of the works it has debuted on the Martha Cohen Theatre stage in Arts Commons (formerly EPCOR Centre) have gone on to grace international stages.
“The plays that we start here make their mark again and again around the world. That’s something we’re really proud of,” says executive director Vicki Stroich. At the top of her list, she cites Stephen Masicotte’s hit play Mary’s Wedding. Its 2002 Calgary premiere led to 175 worldwide productions, and counting.
Following the 2014-15 ATP world premiere of Butcher by Nicolas Billon, the play will open in Paris in 2016. It is fresh on Stroich’s mind for the enthusiastic critical response it has received and the commanding impact it has had on Calgary audiences. “It was a very powerful piece about justice, revenge, war and how old injustices follow people all around the world,” explains Vicki. “It’s going to go on to touch audiences across Canada and around the world for years.”
