Director's Notes
My first experience of Elephant Wake was twelve years ago in the back row of a sold out, scorching hot Edmonton Fringe Festival venue. The one act, one man play was a mystery to me—not something I would normally be excited by—but a “must see” according to all who had the experience. I remember being one of the final audience members to leave—willing the show to continue—staggering out of the curling rink—tear stained—inconsolable—and changed.
A year later as the resident designer of Catalyst Theatre I was charged with re-imagining the production. We were slated to run in Edmonton and here in Regina with hopes of traveling to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Watching Joey rehearse and Jonathan Christenson direct I was in a very privileged position. I was able to witness the growth and change in this rich script—and play a part in the visual underpinning of the world in which we find Jean-Claude. Elephant Wake enjoyed sold out critical acclaim in both Canadian cities—and was given the dream of performing in Edinburgh.
As a small, unassuming show from western Canada we had a challenging start in Edinburgh performing to eight to ten people daily. One trying and fateful night two of three of our audience members left mid show - neither speaking English—both extremely apologetic. Joey assures me to this day he is unsure of who was working harder—the single audience member—or him. The next morning Elephant Wake was on the cover of The Scotsman winning a Fringe First Award and guaranteeing us a sold out show for the rest of our stay. A week later Joey was nominated for “Best Actor” of the Festival—a prize he won if only in the hearts of all who saw him perform.
10 years later Joey has reworked and rewritten this prairie jewel. At a time when it is uncannily relevant to urban and rural Saskatchewan he has done what I wanted most those dozen years ago. He has allowed the show to continue. And somehow, I have been lucky enough to contribute to offering you a window into what I think theatre is all about - being transported—lost and inspired to leave the theatre endlessly changed.
Bretta Gerecke, Director
