SPECTACULAR

Both a noun and an adjective, spectacular speaks to the genre of our outdoor shows and the highly visual aesthetic we strive for in all of our productions. Drawn more from the Grotowski tradition of immersive theatre than the more common association with circus, Boca del Lupo's summer spectaculars can be described as the "surround sound" of live performance.

The "freeness" of these productions is also a key component to their spectacular nature.  Being free makes the productions both highly accessible and profoundly political. It is not a statement that undervalues the art but rather quietly challenges our society's conception that money is a measure of worth.

As an adjective, spectacular is a word that lives in the minds of our designers and directors and we hope will leave on the lips of our audiences. Challenging traditional notions of the relationship between different mediums and conventional inclinations of scale and proximity we work to stretch the audiences experience and definition of theatre.

VASILY THE LUCKLESS

Vasily the Luckless, our most resent "free, outdoor, all-ages, roving
spectacular" was chosen as one of the best plays in 2005 by The Vancouver Sun and VancouverPlays.com

Adapted by James Fagan Tait, Sherry J Yoon and Jay Dodge
Directed by Sherry J Yoon
Music composed and directed by Joelysa Pankanea
Production Designer: Jay Dodge
Costume Designer: Reva Quam
Actors: Tara Fynn, Jonathon Young, Alex Ferguson, Jay Dodge, Mike Enns, Donna Soares, and Mac Dodge
Musicians: Joelysa Pankanea (percussion) Steven Charles (guitar) and Jenna Newman (accordian)
Technical Director: Liz Baca
Stage Manager: Melissa Powell
Production Manager: Hilary Davis
Audience Services/Volunteer Coordinator: Caroline Sniatynski

Based on a series of Russian folktales, Vasily the Luckless is the story of a hapless orphan who always seems to end up in the unluckiest of situations. When a prophecy is made claiming that he will one day inherit the fortune of Marco the Rich, the wealthiest man in the land, Vasily must use all his wits, and the help of a few friends, to foil Marco's cunning plans.

Heading up the creative team is James Fagan Tait as head writer and Joelysa Pankanea as composer, as well as Boca's own Sherry J Yoon as director, and Jay Dodge as designer. James and Joelysa have recently been honoured with Jessie Richardson awards for their work on a stunning adaptation of Crime and Punishment and Boca del Lupo is thrilled to have them aboard.

The production also features performers Jonathon Young, Alex Ferguson, Tara Fynn, Jay Dodge, Mike Enns, Donna Soares, Mac Dodge, and musicians Steven Charles and Joelysa Pankanea; a combination that is both gravity defying and electric!

Book now. It's free. It's fantastic. And it is so Vancouver." - Colin Thomas, Georgia Straight

A magical story told in a magical place, Vasily the Luckless is fanciful fun for kids of all ages."  - Jo Ledingham, The Courier

Vasily the Luckless, Boca's latest, is an absolute charmer." - Jerry Wasserman, Province