A valuable cultural contribution

In fact, we are now at the point where it is difficult to think of summer in this city without the eye-catching, often hilarious antics of Repercussion Theatre, now playing at a park near you.

In presenting their annual repertoire of classic Shakespeare plays, often re-jigged to the point of delightful artistic absurdity, the venerable troupe of talented young actors and supporting crew have provided thousands of people with hours of enjoyment at a more-than-reasonable price.

But most importantly, they have exposed the masses to an aspect of our culture that is generally beyond the attention of anyone not currently enrolled in a Grade 11 English class. Sad to say, but if it weren’t for Repercussion Theatre setting up its stage in local parks, the mainstream television American Idol crowd would never be exposed to live theatre in general or the immortal works of the Bard in particular. How many of our children first met Puck, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet under the coloured lights in Westmount Park? They certainly did not see them on television!

The current season marks an abrupt about-face; the venerable troupe has turned away from the Bard in a bold, drastic move that completely redefines the very idea of ‘Shakespeare in the Park’. Now they are presenting the work of Molière in a light, lively manner that does full justice to the French master.

But if the works of Shakespeare — by far the most recognized name in English literature — are relatively unknown to modern audiences, what of Molière? His valuable body work is even less familiar to audiences than Shakespeare — especially English-speaking audiences.

Although it must be pointed out that Molière has been performed in local parks by other excellent troupes in previous years, Repercussion’s decision to mount ‘Scapin the Schemer’ in both French and English versions will no doubt introduce many more people to another giant of our culture.

Bravo to Repercussion Theatre for continuing to bring us intelligent, well-produced live theatre. Here’s to many more summers of lawn chairs and educational productions from this valuable pool of local talent.