The first annual Masquerade - a celebration of the Winnipeg theatre community hosted by the Manitoba Association of Playwrights - was a wonderful success.
Christopher Brauer, host for the evening, introduced the event, saying that (contentiously for some) Winnipeg does not have theatre awards. While this might help protect theatre artists from unhealthy sense of competition, it also means we don't have the opportunity to get together on a regular basis and say, "Good for us." The Masquerade was MAP's attempt to fill that need (and to raise a bit of money for the organization at the same time.)
About 90 playwrights, actors, directors, students, other theatre artists, and just people who love theatre, showed up in masks, costumes, and make up. Entertainment was provided by the comedic group Outside Joke who collaborated with playwrights Sarah Constible, Trish Cooper, Michael Nathanson, and Ellen Peterson. (Christopher Brauer commented that when the history of this evening is recorded, it will be noted that at an event put on a playwright's association, the host was a director and the entertainment was provided by an improv group!) Folk trio Red Moon Road got the crowd dancing with some of their own songs as well as covers of '90s tunes. Food was donated by a number of local restaurants, and it was great, as were the donated silent auction prizes.
"Father" Rick Chafe ended the evening with a benediction - extolling the health of the theatre community and declaring "blessings upon you" to the local playwrights being produces this year and the theatres that are producing them, the local directors who are making a name for themselves, and the independent theatre companies that are filling a need for vibrant and exciting new work.
Read Kevin Prokosh's preview in the Winnipeg Free Press, and start picking out your mask for next year's masquerade.
