The Responsibility Is Shared With All The People Here

Project by Harrell Fletcher| Script by J.D. Nasaw
A Langham Court Theatre & Art Gallery of Greater Victoria collaboration.

Is based on video interviews with 15 people in the Rockland area of Victoria B.C.

A landscaper, a beekeeper and his wife, a naturopathic physician, a lingerie store clerk, a retired doctor, a recovering drug addict with schizophrenia, a pastor, a bicycle shop clerk, a parish administrative assistant, a sexual health awareness educator, a busker, a Franciscan Friar, a Battalion Chief of a fire department and a model train shop owner.

The video interviews were transcribed, edited and turned over to the director. The director and actors were discouraged from seeing the actual interviews lest they try to imitate the actual interviewees.

The interviews were done last summer so I only had a vague idea of what we talked about. Turns out it was just my regular work shpeal but with better timing and a well dressed matronly woman saying it. It seemed though one of the smaller bits, got the most laughs. The whole play was the epitome of Victoria, as it covered the gamut of lives that inhabit this rock.

After the play the interviewees were asked to join the writer, director and main instigator Harrell, on stage for a Q&A. I went up with the others, though my heart was racing, palms sweating and cheeks were a flaming red. Yep, I was nervous. Just the 4th time on stage for me. Not getting easier. But according to the friend that accompanied me to the event I did not look overly terrified.

While we were on stage the pastor said that she had been fitted at our shop. This got a chuckle from the audience and a comment later while I was making small talk.

I made a cursory pass through the reception as it was a small space that was packed. A few women mentioned that they were due for a fitting so I asked them to tell the boss where they heard about the store. :)