As of mid-March, Canadians across the country have been facing the life-altering development of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Having led to a full shutdown in Quebec and many parts of Canada, this pandemic has taken life in most industries from flourishing to full-halt.
In mid-March, Mainline Theatre closed due to government orders associated with efforts to “Flatten the curve” for COVID-19. Shortly after that closing, on March 17th, Amy Blackmore, Executive and Artistic Director for Mainline Theatre was attending a routine doctor’s appointment. At the end of the checkup, her doctor asked ‘Is there anything else I can do for you?’, which triggered a series of moments that have greatly impacted her pandemic life.
Amy spent the spring attending weekly appointments for tests, follow-ups and, finally, a biopsy on the unknown mass in her neck. In late May, she was told she would have a diagnostic operation.
As the Portico Project was open for applications before the pandemic arrived in Canada, Amy was sure she would be having the necessary surgery before Christmas, not shortly before the premiere of her show. A partial-thyroidectomy later (on September 8) and with a long recovery process ahead of me, Amy proudly presents her newest work.
Unfortunately, due to complications in recovery (leading to Amy being temporarily unable to speak while healing) and the surgical procedure’s timeline being pushed forward from late 2019 to just before the premiere of the work, the work is being performed by Maxime Segalowitz. The short 10-15 minute work was also directed in rehearsals by Emily Gualteri from Parts+Labour_Danse.
The show continues for three more performances as part of Centaur’s Portico Project: September 27th at 2 pm, October 1st at 4 pm and October 3rd at 3 pm. Admissions are free and donations are welcome, to support Centaur Theatre. The production is presented on the Portico of Centaur Theatre (453 St. Francois Xavier Street) in the Old Port.
Other productions included as part of the Centaur Theatre’s Portico Project include: Red Phone, Black Balloon: Portico Edition, COVID vs. Menopause, Fanm Rebel, In Memoriam: The Wake of Cheddar Fandango, Pandemonium and Who We Have Forgotten.
More information and advance reserved tickets ($5 reservation fee) are available here. The Portico Project runs until October 4th. COVID-19 social distancing and sanitary measures are in place to protect the well-being of all audience members in attendance.
