Montreal’s Repercussion Theatre is presenting : Infinite Variety – a production inspired by William Shakespeare – as part of their annual Shakespeare-in-the-Park summer tour. On Thursday night, they were performing in Verdun.
“It’s a mix of excitement and laughter and poetry and, yeah, just beauty,” said Gitanjali Jain, a performer in the show.
They take inspiration from Shakespeare’s era, as well as circus troupes and cabaret acts of Montreal’s past and present. The show aims to highlight every team member by showcasing their unique creativity and talents.
“Infinite variety is a quote from one of Shakespeare’s plays, Antony and Cleopatra. I knew that I wanted to do a variety show, so I was trying to think of something that sort of spoke to that element of kind of a whole bunch of things brought together,” said Amanda Kellock, artistic and executive Director of Repercussion theatre and the host of infinite variety.
Six performers are included as part of the performance, which will feature music, singing and poetry! The show is also highlighted by special guests, and interaction with the audience.
“I am very excited. I always wanted to be part of Repercussion Theater and to be part of this infinite variety of experiences. Doing something very musical is right up my alley; it’s just really fun, and a quirky show, and very fast-paced. I love it,” said Maria Jimenez, a performer in the show.
The show aims to highlight every team member by showcasing their unique creativity and talents.
“I think part of what makes it special is this collaborative feeling. Everyone walks away going, ‘Wow, the ensemble and the love that we feel between the people who are involved is very, very palpable and very exciting.’ And then it’s a fun show,” said Jain.
On their tour, the troupe will visit a total of almost twenty parks in Montreal, and across Quebec. Shows are free to attend and open to all.
“This show is about the love of theater and the love of Shakespeare, and it’s for all audiences. It’s not just for people who just love Shakespeare and Shakespeare aficionados; obviously that’s for them. It also kind of makes Shakespeare accessible for all audiences. I love the show. We all love each other and love the show,” said Jimenez.
Many took Maria’s advice to heart Thursday night.
“Always happy to come out and support local theater, especially with it being free and so accessible. Shakespeare in the Park happens in so many different cities, and Montreal has such a great park culture that it’s always so great to come out and support it,” said one attendee.
The tour comes to an end on August 3rd — the performers hope it can spark some larger conversations.
“There’s something really fun about this show. It has poetry, it has laughter, and there’s some pathos to it too. There’s some tough stuff that we’re talking about, but it’s mostly, I think, just a really nice night out with people listening to beautiful music and thinking about big thoughts,” said Kellock.