The Play in Toronto
We have just finished the Toronto run of the play "Goodness" to rave reviews and sold out houses. 

Ross Manson, our Artistic Director, has collected all the reviews.

NOW Magazine (5 / 5 stars):

http://www.nowtoronto.com/stage/story.cfm?content=171435

"extraordinary"

"haunting"

"a passionate, enthralling production, not to be missed"



The Globe and Mail (3.5 / 4 stars):

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/redhills-goodness-prepares-for-rwanda/article1291632/

"Stories might not be enough, but this story comes close"

"a play that fearlessly throws itself at the thorniest questions posed by the violent last century and leaves no audience member unscratched"


The Toronto Star (3.5 / 4 stars)

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/theatre/article/696977

"smoulderingly intense"

"gut-wrenchingly convincing"

"you won't find it easy to forget"



The Toronto Sun (4.5 / 5 stars)

http://www.torontosun.com/entertainment/columnists/john_coulbourn/2009/09/18/10970496-sun.html

"Goodness reigns supreme"

"play about genocide brought to dizzying new heights with tremendous cast and inspired direction"

"it is a work that demands to be seen"



The National Post

http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=2010257

"powerful"

"superb"

"the personal and political... collide and explode"



Mooney on Theatre

http://www.mooneyontheatre.com/2009/09/goodness-volcano-theatre/#more-1443

"the perfect balance is kept and the work is seemless"

"a marvel to watch"

"if you want a moving piece of theatre, go see it"



Classical 96

http://www.classical963fm.com/arts/reviews/item/goodness

"a triumph"



Onwards to Rwanda!

The cast have disappeared homewards to collect mosquito nets, malaria pills, light clothing and try to pack everything into one small suitcase.  One day to sort out last minute arrangements & ready ourselves for Africa.

Each cast member is carrying their own costume as carry-on, in case we lose our luggage along the way. The first show in Butare/Huye is one day after we arrive, and we must have our show togs.

Each cast member is also carrying with them a number of children's books which were generously donated  by Indigo.  These will be distributed to schools in Butare & Kigali.  Our thanks go to Indigo and to Dawn & Jeannie Calleja who organized this donation of books.

John Westheuser, Gord Rand, & Tyler Cook (our sound technician) are packing their gear & making last minute preparations.

We have a driver, Steve, booked in Butare/Huye with the assistance of Pierre from the Rwandan Cinema Centre, but there are few details available about him or his vehicle - just like the theatre tour, with venues unseen & schedules to be determined, we will hope that these arrangements come into more focus in the next day.  We have a driver, Emmanuel, who will work with us in Kigali also as a translator.

On Tuesday, we decamp to Toronto Pearson airport in the afternoon and the adventure begins.

Many thanks to our supporters who have helped us with production funds for Rwanda - we are set, we are on our way!

Tara

So here's a coup:  John Westheuser has joined the team as our director of photograpy and co-director.  Maybe you've heard of such groundbreaking documentaries as Shake Hands with the Devil or Triage?  If not, rent or steal them immediately.  We are honoured to have such a talented man on our team.  A genuine veteran of African doc making - especially Rwanda - John would be embarassed by the praise I've heard about him, so I'll leave that for another day.  Suffice it to say, our game just took a leap and we are very excited. 

That's not to say we've been starved for talent.  Dan Grant pinch dp'd for us yesterday to catch the opening day of rehearsal.  Jitters, jokes and general eccentricity ruled the day (though an afternoon spent watching the Swedish production projected on a brick wall didn't make for the most compelling filmmaking - gracias Ross...)

Our quest is now on for a sound man.