LITF has become one of the world’s most recognized festivals and the “competition to compete” is high, with over 40 entries having been received for 2012. Making an entry has become much easier for groups, most of whom are very computer savvy, and submit online with a link to their entire performance.
“In many ways its made my job easier,” explains Eva Moore, LITF Artistic Director. “I am looking for plays that transcend the language barrier to a mostly English-speaking audience. Being able to view the entire performance allows me to ensure we provide an accessible theatre experience.”
During LITF, Liverpool takes on the look of the United Nations. The atmosphere in town is charged with the joy of people meeting people and enjoying one another’s company and talent within a safe, supportive environment.
“This is a magical event made even more special by being held here in Liverpool,” says Eva Moore, “there is an intimacy in a small town that is not possible in a larger centre. First time visitors who come to see a show or two are swept up in the experience and become regular subscribers for subsequent festivals.”
At the first LITF, in 1992, there was some audience resistance to the foreign language plays. By 1996, these shows were the first to sell out.
This year, a few familiar faces return to the festival along with many countries that have never been represented before. This year’s line up includes:
EGYPT - Egypt will stage a play that has received excellent reviews at international festivals. The play, Frenzy for Two or More, deals with how absurd normal life appears when reflected back through a surreal political climate.
FRANCE - La Petite Famille, a young troupe that evolved out of a school project, offer the musical Tomorrow’s Dawn, written by their director, to close the festival on May 20.
GEORGIA - At LITF 1992, the Georgian troupe won hearts and top honours. The Kutasi Youth Theatre will present Don Juan with a haunting music soundtrack and no dialogue.
GERMANY – Studio Essen was here in 2000 and returns with a colourful family presentation of Noah and the Flood, which explores the quarrelsome activities that Noah and his wife get into while building a boat.
POLAND – Theatre of One Poem’s play, Ticket to the Moon, is a collective creation by the company. This group took many awards at the 2004 LITF.
SLOVAKIA – HomoDram Theatre presents Anyad, a play about complicated familial bonds that are passed down from generation to generation.
SOUTH AFRICA – Playwright and actress Asanda Phewa peels back layers of herself in her play, A Face Like Mine, to share understanding of what it is like to live as a black woman.
UNITED STATES – OhLook Creative is staging their multiple award winning play Dog Sees God, which follows a young man’s quest to understand the afterlife after losing his dog.
WALES – Blackwood Little Theatre presents Godfather Death, centering on a man seeking a godfather for his new son. Upon meeting God, the Devil and Death, he chooses Death to look after the boy.
There’s great excitement about the Nova Scotia entries with the return to LITF of the multi-award-winning troupe from Church Point, Les Araignees du boui boui (Jeux des Massacre) in the coveted opening night position, the popular Dartmouth Players with an original award winning play by one of their members (The Bouquet) and the delightful girls from Once Upon a Theatre Collective from Halifax (Waltz of the Fae).
Full-subscription theatre passes are currently on sale for $180. This includes reserved seating to all plays and access to workshops and critiques. Tickets for individual shows will be on sale in April. Visit www.litf.ca for more information or phone 902-354-5250 for tickets.
