- inspired I theatre
Welcome to the classroom: a nurturing space with higher teacher workloads and insufficient time for lesson planning; a supportive room full of opportunities for learning and stunted student behavioural development; a magical place where work-life imbalance affects your ability to welcome, welcome, welcome.
A work in process by Alissa Watson, featuring Spenser Payne.
4 STARS “It needs to be said: these two are very, very funny.” – CBC (Review of The Polka Dots of Death: The Making of a Supervillain)
Anyone who has worked with children will know that, while it can be some of the most rewarding work you will ever do, it can also be some of the most infuriating at times. Spencer perfectly portrays the educator who’s at the end of her rope, and when rhetorical questions are lobbied at “children” among the “class”, it’s very difficult not to answer in an attempt to ease her stress. The closing moments of the show are simultaneously a fantastic tribute to teachers who may never see just how much of an impact they’ve made and a rather terrifying image of a potential future. Fantastic show, if you don’t mind a slight feeling of existential dread as you leave.
This show was incredibly touching and quite funny. The writing was great and the acting was absolutely phenomenal. Watson and Payne are terrific teachers and it definitely is mirrored within the script and acting. Payne has a way of radiating her emotions in a beautiful way. I laughed (and cried) along with her. Cooper’s monologue was really well acted as well. This show definitely makes you think about how we treat educators. I would highly recommend seeing this show!
This show is so smart and very well performed by the wonderful Spencer Payne. The audience I saw it with was completely on-board. So timely. Bravo to all involved in this treat of a show!!!!
This show was an absolute delight. My friends and I were laughing along and smiling – until abruptly NOT – throughout. The clown backgrounds of playwright/director and performer shine here – Payne isn’t afraid to get raw and unabashedly silly.
My one note was wondering about the significance of sorting us into sticker groups – I was expecting something to happen and it never did. (Also never learned what the “blue zone” was!)
Anyone who works in education will relate to this show. You’ll laugh and want to cry as you empathize with the main character. Well done!