UNews - Ian McFarlane

The epic behind the Epic

trevor.kenney — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 20:48:40 +0000

The ship is made of found materials. Built from the ground up, it was designed to be a working musical instrument. The performers walk onto the stage and the set of The Hudson’s Bay Epic comes alive.

Telling the story of the 1611 mutiny against Henry Hudson, this theatrical piece of historical fiction is nothing short of whimsical as the cast of three perform ten different roles, create their own sound effects and use every piece of the ship as a percussion instrument.

Theatre founders Ian McFarlane (BFA ’10) and Geneviève Paré (BFA ’11) found inspiration, and each other, at the U of L.

Written and produced by Mudfoot Theatre, The Hudson’s Bay Epic has evolved since its debut three and a half years ago. Theatre founders Ian McFarlane (BFA ’10) and Geneviève Paré (BFA ’11) talk about the story behind The Hudson’s Bay Epic and the origins of Mudfoot Theatre, which is based in Calgary.

“It all started at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge,” says Paré. “Ian and I worked together on a TheatreXtra production. We became fast friends and roommates.”

As the two became closer they began working creatively together. Through various performance opportunities at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ it became clear they were intrigued by improvised sound. Paré looks back fondly remembering when briefly, a living room was set up in ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall to encourage anyone to sit and perform in public. She and McFarlane used the space to experiment with the sound of soapy water.

Later, Paré and McFarlane traveled to Malawi for a field study focusing on health education through theatre; it was then they became a couple.

“We ended up embarking on two journeys,” recounts McFarlane. ”We were going to this new place and starting a new relationship.”

Upon their return, the duo partnered with Terry Ecklund (BFA ’11) to create a performance piece based on their experiences in Malawi. This was Paré and McFarlane’s first creation as a team.

“Looking back, my career started at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ,” says Paré. “Students should take advantage of the structure and support offered by their professors. Volunteer, join workshops and extra-curricular activities. I am where I am today because of those opportunities.”

While Paré was finishing her degree, McFarlane found himself in Calgary performing with Swallow-a-Bicycle Theatre, a unique company known for devised theatre in odd places.

“They found this house that was about to be demolished and asked me to turn the kitchen into a performance piece,” says McFarlane. “That’s when I met Lane Shordee and a creative relationship blossomed. I love working with him; he thinks so far outside the box.”

Shordee now works with Mudfoot Theatre and created the set for The Hudson’s Bay Epic.

The Hudson's Bay Epic is billed as a folk tale focusing on Canadian History.

After graduation, Paré joined McFarlane in Calgary and they got back to work creating and performing under the name Deux Fous Frivoles (Two Frivolous Fools), which soon evolved to Frivolous Fools Performance. It was then The Hudson’s Bay Epic began to take form.

“I was interested in a machine you could perform amongst and around, that you could use to create a soundscape,” says Paré. McFarlane adds, “We wanted to drum and tell a story.”

They became enthralled with the idea of telling a folk tale focusing on Canadian History.

“The story of Henry Hudson has so many holes in it,” exclaims McFarlane. “It was begging to be turned into fiction.”

This play helped shape the mandate of their theatre company and illustrated their potential to retell the stories of Canadian history.

“All around the world cultures have a mythology surrounding their history. My family has been in Canada for many generations and I feel more Canadian than anything else, but we haven’t been here long enough to be a part of a more ancient and mysterious narrative,” says Paré, quite passionately. “I would connect more with my Canadian identity if there was that mythical element to it. So why not create folk history for ourselves?”

Initially, the piece was performed by the two of them acting out all the characters and creating a chaotic and fun atmosphere. Later, Paré and McFarlane approached Lindsey Zess-Funk (BFA ’09) to direct the work when they submitted it to Edmonton’s Ignite! Festival.

Through Zess-Funk’s ability to bring mythical elements to the stage and make objects come to life, she guided Paré and McFarlane through a revision process of The Epic. She suggested adding a third actor so the characters and set could be more efficiently played.

“Her focus during this process has been critical in the midst of a million unfiltered ideas,” says Paré.

After the addition of fellow actor Ryan Reese (BFA ’13) and more than three years of growth, the original chaos of the play has remained.

Paré and McFarlane found themselves applying for grants and working with ensembles of artists to develop their production. The addition of Reese rendered Two Frivolous Fools obsolete and a new name was needed as they sought to rebrand their company.

“We were driving through the mountains and pairing words,” McFarlane explains. “What we do is very human driven. We try to separate ourselves from technology and use handcrafted and reclaimed materials. We needed something that speaks to that earthiness.”

Out of the all the word pairs they explored, Mudfoot stood out.

“If your feet are in the mud, you’ve done something right, and it had a nice acoustic sound,” says Paré.

Their audiences readily accepted the name and they have been known as Mudfoot Theatre for nearly a year.

“This came so organically to us,” says Paré, “Ian and I never said, I want to start a theatre company that uses only found materials and focuses on Canadian history, but that’s where we are.“

While Paré and McFarlane are no longer at the U of L, it is evident they are fond of their time here.

“They were the best years of my life and I didn’t know it,” recalls McFarlane. “In university the stakes are low. You can make mistakes and you have these loving professors who offer constructive critiques.”

The story of this young couple illustrates the possibilities and potential for aspiring artists in Alberta. They offer encouragement to students with a passion for the arts.

“The U of L gave us a foundation of knowledge and experience, which also gave us confidence,” says Paré. “Having a BFA makes you very employable. Employers are always looking for a mind that exists outside the box; they want creative problem solvers.”

Mudfoot Theatre debuts their next production entitled River: A Puppet Myth in Calgary next year. Created by Zess-Funk, Paré and McFarlane, the puppet-play features set design by Lane Shordee and original compositions from Jesse Plessis (BMus ’10). River is another piece of historical fiction that tells the tale of the birth and death of the Bow River.

For more information about Mudfoot Theatre and upcoming events visit mudfoottheatre.com.

Getting into character with the Hair ensemble

trevor.kenney — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:16:52 +0000

For the cast of Hair, staying in character does not end when the curtain falls. Since November, this ensemble of 27 actors has lived and breathed this band of colourful hippies and the characters they portray.

Hair takes to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre stage, Feb. 9-11 and 13 at 8 p.m. nightly, and Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. and midnight.

For Jocelyn Haub and Ian McFarlane, becoming hippies is about more than just putting on a costume – it is all in the attitude.

"We had to extensively research the era and create a story for each of our characters," says Jocelyn, who plays Sheila. "We were required to interview people who experienced the 1960s and could give us an idea of what it was really like. The script has no information or back-story for our characters, so it was up to us to bring them to life."

Understanding the significance of the 1960s and the lifestyles characters may have led was a team effort.

"Our dramaturge, Katherine Smith, was constantly digging up information we could use to create a more authentic experience on stage. We were even given a list containing hundreds of slang terms from the 60s as reference," Haub says. "It has been fun to bond over our characters."

"The cast is by far the single best I've had the pleasure of working with," adds Ian McFarlane, who plays Berger. "Our cast is made up of students and professors from across campus, not just from Fine Arts. Ife Abiola, who spends his days studying bugs in biology, plays one of the main characters, Hud. It's been amazing to get to know and work with everyone."

Putting together a musical of this calibre was not easy.

"There are more than 30 musical numbers to learn," Haub says. "There are lots and lots of words to memorize and you also have to bring out your character, keep up with the choreography, and hit all the right notes!"

"It's a refreshing view, what these people did to make a change," says McFarlane. "They found an identity and fought for their rights the best they knew how. I believe their story has a real impact on today's society."

Haub says the themes of Hair still resonate.

"The message of peace, love and happiness is significant," adds Haub. "These people didn't want to live in the social stereotypes and were determined to find their own path. They lived their beliefs, and this musical truly captures the essence of their life."

Positive Space showing at David Spinks Theatre

trevor.kenney — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:24:22 +0000

TheatreXtra puts a positive spin on the theatre with the Nov. 5 to 7 showing of Positive Space.

"I've always been an actor, but this is my first time directing," says dramatic arts major Ian McFarlane about his directorial debut. "Positive Space presents creative ways for audiences to perceive and think about theatre."

Showing 8 p.m. nightly in the David Spinks Theatre, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 7, Positive Space invites audiences to experience theatre rather than just be spectators – to change their perceptions of what theatre is and how intriguing theatre can be.

"This project has taken about a year and a half to complete," McFarlane says. "Space was the original concept – that the theatre itself is a character."

Positive Space is an organic and somewhat spontaneous creation on stage – a collective creation between actor, theatre and audience.

"It's been a challenge throughout the process to encourage the actors to push themselves further, to explore theatre in a new way," he adds. "The audience is also an active participant. I feel I'm more of a facilitator, rather than an actor or director in a classical sense."

Entertaining and engaging, Positive Space takes theatre out of the box. The mandate of TheatreXtra is to challenge students and push the boundaries of classical theatre. Positive Space plans to accomplish that and redirect audience perceptions towards other theatrical possibilities.

Tickets are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office, 403-329-2616.

Positive Space a debut effort for director

trevor.kenney — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:22:31 +0000

TheatreXtra puts a positive spin on the theatre with the Nov. 5 to 7 showing of Positive Space.

"I've always been an actor, but this is my first time directing," says dramatic arts major Ian McFarlane about his directorial debut. "Positive Space presents creative ways for audiences to perceive and think about theatre."

Showing 8 p.m. nightly, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 7, Positive Space invites audiences to experience theatre rather than just be spectators – to change their perceptions of what theatre is and how intriguing theatre can be.

"This project has taken about a year and a half to complete," McFarlane says. "Space was the original concept – that the theatre itself is a character."

Positive Space is an organic and somewhat spontaneous creation on stage – a collective creation between actor, theatre and audience.

"It's been a challenge throughout the process to encourage the actors to push themselves further, to explore theatre in a new way," he adds. "The audience is also an active participant. I feel I'm more of a facilitator, rather than an actor or director in a classical sense."

Entertaining and engaging, Positive Space takes theatre out of the box. The mandate of TheatreXtra is to challenge students and push the boundaries of classical theatre. Positive Space plans to accomplish that and redirect audience perceptions towards other theatrical possibilities.

Tickets are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office, 403-329-2616.

Events Calendar - November

trevor.kenney — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:12:30 +0000

Pronghorn Athletics

Men's Hockey

Nov. 13-14 | Alberta vs. Pronghorns
7 p.m. nightly, Nicholas Sheran Arena

Nov. 27-28 | Alberta vs. Pronghorns
7 p.m. nightly, Nicholas Sheran Arena

Women's Hockey

Nov. 20-21 | Manitoba vs. Pronghorns
7 p.m. nightly, Nicholas Sheran Arena

Basketball

Nov. 6-7 | Regina vs. Pronghorns
Women's game, 6 p.m.; Men's game, 8 p.m. nightly, 1st Choice Savings Centre gym

Nov. 13 | Trinity Western vs. Pronghorns
Women's game, 6 p.m.; Men's game, 8 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre gym
Nov. 14 | Fraser Valley vs. Pronghorns
Women's game, 6 p.m.; Men's game, 8 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre gym

Nov. 20-21 | Manitoba vs. Pronghorns
Women's game, 6 p.m.; Men's game, 8 p.m. nightly, 1st Choice Savings Centre gym

Lectures

Nov. 4 | Art Now: Vancouver artist Isobelle Pauwels | Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 5 | What I've Learned about being Human from Studying . . .
Lecture Series | Organizations: How Collectives Shape Who We Are and What We Do | Dr. Janelle Enns Gordon, Management, U of L
7 p.m., Lethbridge Public Library

Nov. 6 | Art Now: Dana Claxton
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 9 | Art Now: Cameron Bailey
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 9 | Architecture & Design Now: Toronto architect Stephen Teeple
6 p.m., C610

Nov. 12 | What I've Learned about being Human from Studying . . . Lecture Series | Canadian and Northwest Coast Native Art: Sometimes It's Necessary to Trespass Borders | Dr. Les Dawn, Art, U of L
7 p.m., Lethbridge Public Library

Nov. 16 | Architecture & Design Now: Toronto architect Ian MacDonald | 6 p.m., C610

Nov. 17 | Women Scholars Speaker Series – Deborah MacLatchy
From Lab Coat to Business Suit: Perspectives on Science and Academic Administration
12 noon to 2 p.m., AH100

Nov. 18 | Aboriginal Speakers Forum – Sharon Goulet | The Power of Stories in Aboriginal Research
9:30 to 11 a.m., B716

Nov. 18 | Art Now: Tor Lukasik-Foss
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 20 | Art Now: Tricia Middleton
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 23 | Art Now: Kathryn Walter
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 23 | Architecture & Design Now: Kathryn Walter
6 p.m., C610

Nov. 25 | Art Now: Rebecca Miller
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 27 | Art Now: Montreal painter Etienne Zack | Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 30 | Architecture & Design Now: Esther Shipman
6 p.m., C610

Performances

Nov. 5-7 | Positive Space by Ian McFarlane | A unique performance exploring various aspects of theatre
8 p.m. nightly, David Spinks Theatre. Matinee, 2 p.m., Nov. 7

Nov. 7 | Dale Ketcheson & Friends
Classical guitar from U of L music professor Dale Ketcheson
8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall

Nov. 10 | Music at Noon: Gerard Gibb (oboe), Sarah Gieck (flute), Margaret Mezei (clarinet), Glen Montgomery (piano) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 17 | Music at Noon: Musaeus String Quartet with Jesse Plessis (piano) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 23 | Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra | With special guests and U of L music majors Matthew Blackburn (piano) and arranger Jesse Plessis | 8 p.m., Southminster Church

Nov. 24 | Music at Noon: Arthur Rowe (piano) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 24-28 | Festen by David Eldridge | A time of celebration is undermined by revelations that pierce and destroy the veneer of middle-class respectability
Nightly, 8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

Nov. 27 | Wind and Song
Featuring U of L Wind Orchestra and Vox Musica | 8 p.m., Southminster Church

Nov. 28 | Season of Joy
With the U of L Singers and Women's Chorus | 8 p.m., Southminster Church

Dec. 1 | Music at Noon: Dr. Brian Shaw (trumpet) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Miscellaneous

Nov. 3 | Keys to Living Well – Student Workshop | The Road to Happiness – how to buffer yourself against stress and depression | 12:30 to 1:20 p.m., AH119

Nov. 6 to Jan. 8, 2010 | To Mark on Surface | Dana Claxton new video installation | U of L Main Gallery
Opening reception, 4 p.m., Nov. 6

Nov. 12 to 14 | Darwin Symposium
International Symposium on Darwinism

Nov. 17-21 | The Monotheatrum
Hamilton artist Tor Lukasik-Foss creates a performance space for a single musician | U of L Atrium

Nov. 21 | Culture Vulture Saturday
Luck of the Draw – Colour by Numbers | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., U of L Main Gallery

Through Jan. 3, 2010 | art + people = x continues | Darcy Logan presents recent paintings | Helen Christou Gallery | Opening Reception, 4 p.m., Nov. 6

Events - October

trevor.kenney — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:51:25 +0000

Pronghorn Athletics

Soccer

Oct. 24 | Victoria vs. Pronghorns
Women, 12 p.m.; Men, 2 p.m. at Stadium

Oct. 25 | Fraser Valley vs. Pronghorns | Women, 12 p.m.; Men, 2 p.m. at Stadium

Oct. 31 | Trinity Western vs. Pronghorns | Men, 2 p.m. at Stadium

Nov. 1 | UBC vs. Pronghorns
Men, 2 p.m. at Stadium

Women's Rugby

Oct. 18 | Alberta vs. Pronghorns
3 p.m. at Stadium

Men's Hockey

Oct. 15 | Calgary vs. Pronghorns
7 p.m. at Nicholas Sheran Arena

Oct. 23-24 | UBC vs. Pronghorns
Nightly, 7 p.m. at Nicholas Sheran Arena

Women's Hockey

Oct. 16-17 | Regina vs. Pronghorns
Nightly, 7 p.m. at Nicholas Sheran Arena

Oct. 30-31 | Saskatchewan vs. Pronghorns | Nightly, 7 p.m. at Nicholas Sheran Arena

Lectures

Oct. 8 | CAETL Workshop
Preparing a Lecture: A Graduate Student Workshop | 3 p.m., L950

Oct. 14 | Art Now: Tracey Deer
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 15 | CAETL Fall 2009 Seminar Series | Making the Supervisory Experience Successful | 12 p.m., AH100

Oct. 16 | Women Scholars Speaker Series | Dr. Bonnie K. Lee presents: Couple Relationship: A Healing Nexus for Addiction | 3 p.m., AH100

Oct. 19 | Architecture & Design Now: Bo Helliwell | 6 p.m., C610

Oct. 23 | Art Now: Susanna Heller
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 26 | Art Now: Chris Moore
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 26 | Architecture & Design Now: Michael Green | 6 p.m., C610

Oct. 28 | Art Now: Cheryl L'Hirondelle | Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 30 | Art Now: Christine D'Onofrio | Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 2 | Art Now: Shawn Van Sluys
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570
Architecture & Design Now, 6 p.m., C610

Nov. 6 | Art Now: Dana Claxton
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Performances

Oct. 13 | Music at Noon: Dr. Terrence Dawson (piano) & Joanne Collier (soprano) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 20 | Music at Noon: Glen Montgomery (piano) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 27 | Music at Noon: Dr. David Renter (saxophone) & Elinor Lawson (piano) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 3 | Music at Noon: Joanne Hounsell (soprano) & Glen Montgomery (piano) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 20-24 | Hay Fever by Noel Coward | A comedy about an eccentric family whose theatrical excesses torment their unsuspecting visitors | Nightly, 8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

Oct. 23-24 | Opera Goes to the Movies | U of L Opera Workshop performs Hollywood movie classics
Nightly, 8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 30 | Breakdance for Solo Cello
Montreal's Solid State Breakdance company performs | 8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

Nov. 5-7 | Positive Space by Ian McFarlane | A collective creation exploring various aspects of theatre
Nightly, 8 p.m., David Spinks Theatre. Matinee, 2 p.m., Nov. 7

Miscellaneous

Oct. 9 | Town Hall Meeting
Budgetary Issues at the U of L
1 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

Oct. 14 | Academic Success! Student Workshop | Writing a Research Paper – the tools for writing a solid paper | 3 p.m., AH118

Through Oct. 23 | Head Shots
Art Gallery exhibit featuring portraits by Canadian and international artists, drawn from the U of L's extensive holdings
Helen Christou Gallery

Oct. 27 | Keys to Living Well, Workshop for Students
How to Deal with Annoying People & Make Sure You're Not One
12:30 p.m., AH119

Through Oct. 30 | Allyson Mitchell: Ladies Sasquatch | Freestanding, figurative, sculptural works by Toronto-based artist Allyson Mitchell
U of L Main Gallery

Nov. 3 | Keys to Living Well, Workshop for Students
The Road to Happiness
12:30 p.m., AH119

Oct. 30 to Jan. 3, 2010
art + people = x continues
Darcy Logan presents recent paintings | Helen Christou Gallery
Reception: 4 p.m., Nov. 6

Campus Kudos

trevor.kenney — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:20:11 +0000

Dr. Noella Piquette-Tomei (Education) is one of 400 participants worldwide who will attend the Global Conference on Inclusive Education, Oct. 21-23 in Salamanca, Spain. She, along with her colleagues, will be writing the position paper for the United Nations over the three-day event. Piquette-Tomei is one of only three Canadians attending.

Ron Chambers' (Theatre & Dramatic Arts) play Marg Szkaluba (Pissy's Wife) is presented by New West Theatre until Oct. 10. Several fine arts alumni and staff are involved in the production, including actor Erica Hunt, BFA (Dramatic Arts); director Lindsey Zess-Funk, BFA (Dramatic Arts); set designer Ian McFarlane, BFA (Multidisciplinary); and sound designer Kelly Roberts (Theatre & Dramatic Arts staff).

Gerard Gibbs (Conservatory of Music) General/Executive Director of the Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod, received the Innovation Award at the 2009 Rozsa Arts Management Awards in conjunction with Alberta Arts Days.

Don Gill's (Art) exhibition The New Flâneurs: Contemporary Urban Practice and the Picturesque is at the Art Gallery of Alberta until Dec. 13. This exhibition in the RBC New Works Gallery is inspired by street cultures like parkour, graffiti and skateboarding, and relates them to contemporary art and historical work from the AGA's permanent collection.

Mary-Anne McTrowe (Art) has two exhibitions going on this fall, Crocheting the Database at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Oct. 9 through Nov. 22, and Decorate and Protect at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, Nov. 28 through Jan. 17, 2010. While in Victoria for the opening of her exhibition, McTrowe is speaking at Camosun College as part of their visiting artist lecture series.

Dr. Arlan Schultz (Music) did a summer residency at the Center for Research in Computing and the Arts at UC San Diego in La Jolla, California. Schultz was engaged in research at CRCA's large-speaker array audio spatialization lab where he designed and tested computer algorithms that spatialize (in 6 to 9 channels) live or recorded audio and interact with live performers in real-time.

UNews - Ian McFarlane

The epic behind the Epic

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Positive Space showing at David Spinks Theatre

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Positive Space a debut effort for director

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Events Calendar - November

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Campus Kudos

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