Burning the Rules - Playwright Judith Thompson Sparks Debate in the Martha Cohen Theatre

Alberta Theatre Projects is proud to sponsor Burning the Rules: A Keynote Address by Judith Thompson, one of Canada's most original, powerful and uncompromising voices. 

Ms. Thompson's keynote address is part of Playworks Ink, Alberta's Theatre and Playwriting Conference presented by Theatre Alberta and Alberta Playwrights Network.  Playworks Ink brings together theatre artists and enthusiasts from all over the province for a weekend of workshops, readings and conversations.  For more information about the events at Playworks Ink 2008, you should check out: www.theatrealberta.com 

Taking place on stage in the Martha Cohen Theatre Saturday October 25 at 4:30 p.m. in between performances of ATP's production of Hannah Moscovitch's East of Berlin, Judith Thompson's keynote address is guaranteed to spark much debate. 

Known for her unflinching and visceral plays, Thompson is a woman whose words and ideas have provoked and engaged audiences and fellow artists across Canada for almost 30 years.  Her work has earned her many honours including two Governor General's Awards, the Order of Canada and, most recently, she became the first Canadian to win the prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Prize recognizing outstanding female playwrights.  But her legacy is most certainly the power of her work.  ATP audiences will remember Thompson's play Perfect Pie and Calgary audiences have most recently seen productions of Habitat (Downstage) and Lion in the Streets (Sage Theatre.)  Later this season Downstage will produce Thompson's Palace of the End.  Taking on volatile topics such as class and violence, Thompson is known to walk right into the very heat of often neglected stories, characters and issues.  It is this unflinching desire to uncover what  is often hidden or ignored what makes her work impossible to forget and what will, undoubtedly, make this keynote address an unforgettable afternoon of passionate debate. 

We hope you will join us Saturday October 25 at 4:30 p.m. in the Martha Cohen Theatre for this unique and exciting event.  Tickets are available through Theatre Alberta (www.theatrealberta.com ) and include a reception immediately following the keynote address.