Dying to be Heard: Edmonton’s Wrecking Ball focusing on the current political climate through theatre

    Under the looming shadow of 2008’s Federal Election, ten cities across Canada staged simultaneous theatrical events, complete with new and intensely political plays, music and discussion. These theatrical events are known as Wrecking Balls. The Wrecking Ball began in 2004 in Toronto, as a means of a addressing both the excess of the theatre in our politics and the lack of politics in our theatre. They are often held when the political atmosphere in Canada, or elsewhere in the world, is at it’s most uneasy, such as during the G20 summit. Just before election time, the Wrecking Ball goes national.

   This coming Monday, April 25, the Alberta Avenue Theatre will host Wrecking Ball 12, as part of a national event taking place in six other cities across Canada. The closer we come to Election Day, the louder the artists must be if they want to be heard. Edmonton’s Wrecking Ball event will feature new work by local playwright Marty Chan, playwright-performer Chris Craddock and Mostly Water Theatre Company, as well as performances by hip-hop group Politic Live, hip-hop artist A.O.K, singer-songwriter Dale Ladoucer, film screenings by Highwire Films and much more. Admission is pay-what-you-can, and all proceeds will go to the Actor’s Fund of Canada.

  What is the importance of the Wrecking Ball to Edmonton? Obviously, it asks us to get involved in the politics that shape our country, our province and thus, our city. It is incredibly important for artists, no matter where they are in their careers, to advocate on behalf of the arts in their cities. The Wrecking Ball gives us both an opportunity to debate the most current political issues, and a chance to draw attention to the role the arts play in politics. It offers local artists a venue where we, as a community, can discuss the future of the arts in Edmonton, Alberta and Canada. We can also compare party platforms to see which party supports not just the arts, but our personal values as well.

    This year especially, the Wrecking Ball is a reminder of the power of democracy. Extensive news coverage on the political strife in Egypt and Libya has demonstrated how much these countries not only need, but also desire democracy. We live in Edmonton – in Canada, “glorious and free.” Not voting - not exercising our democratic right - is an insult to those brave people on the other side of the globe, who have subjected themselves to violence and put their lives at risk in the pursuit of democracy.

Anyone can make their voice heard; they just have to shout loud enough.

Wrecking Ball 12 is Monday, April 25, 2011 at the Alberta Avenue Theatre (9030 118 Avenue). Doors open at 7:30 pm and performances start at 8 pm. Admission is Pay-What-You-Can.