Odyssey Theatre’s creative arts fair comes to Strathcona Park
John Forster
On brilliant August days by the Rideau River in beautiful Strathcona Park, artists and the public will come together in an explosion of diverse performances and hands-on arts workshops and crafts to explore the world of myth and folklore.
Since 1986, Odyssey Theatre has produced award-winning professional theatre productions featuring masks, movement, elaborate sets and costumes, puppets, and music that transform Strathcona Park into a magical Theatre Under the Stars.
But, this summer, from August 16-18, Odyssey is staging a totally unique experience: Myth, Legends and True Stories—a Creative Arts Fair.
From enjoying theatre, dance and storytelling performances, to making masks, puppets and lanterns, and venturing on a mythical scavenger hunt, audiences of all ages will be excited by three days packed with wonderfully diverse arts events that explore myth and legends.
Odyssey will invite audiences into the creative process with a workshop performance of a new play based on the folktale The Handless Maiden. Odyssey’s young company will lead audiences throughout the park as they bring to life mythical creatures. The park will be animated by lively dance performances and storytelling by artists from a variety of cultural traditions. You can also participate in hands-on workshops, led by professional artists, in mask and puppet creation, and crafts and more.
Why the change this year? Laurie Steven, Odyssey’s Artistic Director and Sandy Hill resident states “we want to bring artists working in a variety of art forms, together with youth and curious audiences, to share and experience the powerful stories that shape our communities and influence the way we each live.”
Performances will be free—you can pay what you wish. Some events, like the puppet creation workshop, will have limited space and require registration. The schedule and full list of artists and events is available on Odyssey’s website: www.odysseytheatre.ca.
Odyssey is also hiring for the summer; reach out via the website!
