MEN EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS

Downstage

MEN EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS

Written by Sunny Drake | Directed by Clare Preuss

Produced by Downstage with the generous support of Hit & Myth Productions

“An instant Canadian classic.” Louis B. Hobson, Calgary Herald

Sunny Drake’s hilariously poignant new comedy dives into hockey culture, male emotional literacy, race, class and sexuality from the generational perspectives of two hockey-playing teenagers and their dedicated dads. In this time of social distancing, Men Express Their Feelings overflows with physical connectivity as these four guys are sequestered to a hockey rink dressing room to sort out a misunderstanding. They break through gender and cultural barriers and get to know each other and themselves a whole lot better, while redefining what it means to win. As our society reaches to define and create brave spaces, and stories about hyper-masculine hockey culture are in the news, Men Express Their Feelings is a lighthearted way to engage with important civic concerns. 

90 minutes, no intermission, plus optional post-show talk back | Touring company: 4 actors and 2 crew

Rider available upon request | Available Summer 2021 and the 2021-22 Season

A site-specific version of the play created for intimate settings such as sports dressing rooms is also available.

PERFORMANCE HISTORY

World Premiere: March 5-15, 2020, Big Secret Theatre, Calgary presented by Downstage

REVIEWS

Louis B. Hobson’s Review in the Calgary Herald, March 9, 2020

CREDITS

Playwright: Sunny Drake

Director: Clare Preuss

Actors: Brett Dahl, Ray Dhaliwal, Nathan Pronyshyn and Richard Young

Set and Costume Design: Hanne Loosen

Light and Sound Design: Jessie Potter

Stage Manager: Naomi Esau

Production Manager: Jessie Potter

House Technician: Geoff Buchanan

Fight Director: Nathan Pronyshyn

Associate Production Manager: Ian Lane

Assistant Director: Brett Dahl

Apprentice Director and Production Assistant: Dana Prather

Dramaturgs: Kathleen Flaherty, Matt McGeachy, Isaac Thomas

Hindi Translation: Nisha Ahuja, Isaac Thomas

Cultural Dramaturgy and Other Script Consultant: Nisha Ahuja, Rohit Chokhani, Arti Mehta, Dan Perry, Paneet Singh, Joelle Wildgoose.

Artistic Producer for Hit & Myth Productions: Joel Cochrane

Co-Producers for Downstage: Clare Preuss (Artistic Director) and Danielle Whyte (Managing Director)

Photo Credits - Theatre Performance: Katy Whitt

Photo Credits - Dressing Room Performance: Naomi Esau

Developed in part with the assistance of PTC and Factory Theatre and with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council.