Radio Newscast: October 4, 2011

On that day, I was a newscaster. Radio Newscast OCT 4 by lboucicaut

The Future of BIXI?

This is a radio piece on the future of BIXI in Montreal.

  Bixi in Montreal by lboucicaut

Repercussion's Macbeth is a ‘play' on modernity

Here is an article I wrote on Repercussion Theatre's performance of Macbeth for The Westmount Examiner. Unfortunately, the Westmount Examiner has since closed down, therefore I'm pasting my story directly here.

August 3, 2011

Nestled in the crook of manicured Westmount Park hedges, stood a black and chrome two-tiered stage. A cool breeze greeted people of all ages as they lounged on blankets and camping chairs. From children to elders, the atmosphere was festive and relaxed. This was the setting for Repercussion Theatre’s production of Shakespeare-in-the-Park’s Macbeth Tuesday night. 

Suddenly the sound of thunder and lightning filled the air and three male witches dressed in colourful lingerie declared Macbeth’s fate. This was our introduction to what would be a modern take on a classic tale of ambition, greed, guilt and revenge. Director Arianna Bardesono approached this story in a way that would emphasize the challenges in today’s societies: recessions, wars, environmental disasters… The ability to fuse an old tale with modern elements demonstrated how relevant and timeless these issues are.

“I like the idea that they’re trying to do something modern and that they’re bringing in the ideas of the stock market and the environment,” said Robert Newton, an avid Shakespeare-in-the-Park spectator. He’s been attending Repercussion Theatre productions for nearly 20 years. “They’re kind of mixing those ideas of what goes wrong in the kingdom, goes wrong if the king is not governing properly. I thought that was an interesting take on things.”

Repercussion Theatre has been bringing classical theatre to Montreal audiences for 23 years. The cast and crew took on their roles with the professionalism and passion the theatre has built its reputation on. Notable mentions go out to the stunning performances by Anana Rydvald (Lady Macbeth), Karl Graboshas (Banquo), Tim Hine (Duncan) and Paul Hopkins (Macbeth).

In addition to playing the lead role, Paul Hopkins is also the theatre’s artistic director. The choice to present a tragedy to the Montreal public was a good decision, he thought. “We haven’t done a serious tragedy like this since 1998,” he said.  “It’s a little bit risky. But I think the audience seems rapt. They seem to be hanging on to each word and I think they really appreciate the different tone.”

With television, stock market and cell phone sound bites, this interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic tale has taken on a corporate feel that many audience members appreciated.

Jean Cadrin is a first-time Shakespeare-in-the-Park goer. He enjoyed the modern twist. “The choice was interesting, with regards to present-day society,” he said.   “We can interpret it in the way we want and I think that’s a good thing.”  He highly recommended the play. “It’s a great night, a great initiative to have Shakespeare-in-the-Park in Montreal parks.”

Repercussion Theatre’s production of Macbeth will be on tour until August 21 throughout the greater Montreal area. The tour ends here in Westmount Park with back-to-back shows on August 20 and 21. For more information, visit their website at www.repercussiontheatre.com.

CIBC 401 Bike Challenge

Here is an article I wrote for The Westmount Examiner on the CIBC 401 Bike Challenge. Participants biked from Toronto to Montreal in 3 days to raise money for children with cancer. Unfortunately, the Westmount Examiner has since closed down, so I'm posting the story here.

August 10, 2011

The CIBC 401 3-day Bike Challenge begins Wednesday where 26 cyclists will ride from Toronto to Montreal to raise money for children battling cancer at the Montreal Children’s Hospital as well as Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital.

Gerald Wiviott is one of the many intrepid riders to take on this year’s bike challenge. A 70-year-old psychiatrist from the Allan Memorial Institute, Wiviott embarks on his second year of the ride and looks forward to this experience with renewed fervour.

“Last year, I signed up for the 401 because I thought of it as a cycling challenge,” he said.  “After doing so, I met somebody I work with and discovered that her daughter was in fact treated on Sarah’s ward. This year when I signed up to do the ride again, it was to a large extent to continue being an active supporter of that project.”

The CIBC 401 Bike Challenge began in 2005 when CIBC Wood Gundy Investment Advisor and Vice-President Gene Piccoli decided to give back to the community after his wife had successfully battled cancer. Since then, the number of cyclists, as well as the number of donations, has steadily risen. To date, the Bike Challenge has raised over $230,000 for the Sarah Cook Fund, an organisation created to help children with cancer have a better living experience while at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

Geoff Farnsworth is the bike challenge events coordinator. He has been involved with this project for over four years.

“There are so many rides now and they’re all kind of representative of the challenge that people face,” he said. “Ninety-four percent of our proceeds go to the patients. While some of the other rides take on management companies, we are grass roots. We understand that people’s money is hard earned and if they donate a hundred bucks, we want 94 of those bucks to go directly to the cause, not 75.”

Wiviott has inspired people with his boundless energy and determination. His age has caused many to sit back and look upon him with wonder. “He is one of the strongest riders we have,” said Farnsworth.  “He’s amazing. There aren’t a lot of people like Gerry.”

Wiviott on the other hand, is humble. “I don’t think of my age until someone mentions it,” he said. “I’m a specimen and I guess that’s good. I don’t mind representing something, whether I’m doing work as a psychotherapist, or whether I’m riding with people who feel it’s inspiring to ride with somebody who’s old,” he chuckled.

This ride is two-fold, according to him. “First, it is a wonderful cause,” he said.  “People can feel that when they’re raising money for this ride, it’s going to help the people we say it’s going to help. Second, it provides a focus for getting in shape. Cycling is such a great exercise for people who are getting older. There is less strain on the joints and if you do it with a certain intensity, then it’s a terrific cardiovascular sport.”

This 576km ride begins on Wednesday in Toronto and ends at the Montreal Children`s Hospital on Friday, August 12, where there will be refreshments by Juicy Lotus, a concert by the band Swerving Buffoon and speeches by CIBC sponsors and riders as well as a word from Sarah Cook, the inspiration for the fund. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the homecoming festivities, which will begin at noon on Friday. For more information on the CIBC 401 Bike Challenge, visit their website at: http://401bikechallenge.info.

Home:Immigrants

This is a radio documentary on the meaning of home from the viewpoint of immigrant Tijana Stojkovic.




Home: Immigrants by lboucicaut