New Conservatory Company at Theatre Ancaster showcases ‘Rent’
A young troupe explores the diversity, social justice and power of Jonathan Larson’s musical
It might just be the perfect mix.
Jonathan Larson’s 1996 musical about youthful wannabes living out their dreams in a dilapidated New York chrysalis of culture, could be a good fit for Theatre Ancaster’s new Conservatory Company.
“Launched this year as part of Theatre Ancaster’s continued mandate to offer community theatre programming for all ages, it provides more opportunities for young adults both on-stage and behind the scenes,” says Nupi Gokhale, director of the popular musical. The cast of 17 performers, ages 18-29, are from a variety of backgrounds, Gokhale says. “Some are home from theatre schools, such as Sheridan, St. Lawrence and Randolph, who can get opportunities to hone skills. Others are studying Business and Law. Some are professional artists working in the GTA.”
Gokhale, who is president of Theatre Ancaster, as well as director of “Rent,” was impressed with the level of those auditioning for the play’s powerhouse roles.
“We had auditioners from numerous theatre companies. Casting was challenging. We chose a group of committed and passionate artists and designers who are giving their heart and soul to this project.”
“Rent” was a groundbreaking show written by Jonathan Larson who struggled to find recognition in the New York theatre world. Origi- nally performed Off- Broadway it had some slight connection with its source material borrowed from Puccini’s opera La Boheme. When Larson died at 35, of an aortic aneu- rysm, the same day his show pre- miered Off-Broadway, the musical became part of theatre mythology.
Some said its light rock score would revolutionize Broadway. This of course, didn’t happen, any more than “Hair,” the rock musical of the 1960s, made a significant change in the structure of musical theatre.
“Rent” did however have some impact on musical theatre that followed, inviting young audiences to become part of the theatre scene.
“I remember the energy this show created when it was first produced. Theatre makers followed the powerful narrative of the production, the movie, and Jonathan Larson’s tragic life story,” Gokhale says.
Obviously, a fan of the show, she feels connected to it in a serious way.
“Jonathan Larson spent a decade documenting the rea life stories of artists that surrounded him. ‘Rent’ is then, both a fictional tale and a docudrama that celebrates artistry. So, it seems the perfect show to launch the Conservatory Company. For me ‘Rent’ is as much about building community, as it is about providing entertainment. Combining the narrative of these stories with a collective of passionate actors, while simultaneously launching a new company, in a new venue, will create an experience and a memory like no other.”
Gokhale suggests her Theatre Ancaster production won’t try to be different to other “Rent” productions done on Broadway and within our area.
“Larson and others spent years conceptualizing and re-working these stories to create this powerful narrative. There is a reason this musical received a Pulitzer Prize.
“While I want to put my mark on it, I want it to be the best theatre that we can create. Listening to actors’ visions and staying true to the social justice message was important. In particular I wanted the production elements to engage with the material from a 2022 perspective. In this way I was very interested in listening and learning from my actors.”
Gokhale, who seems as much a theatre activist as a director, has serious ideas about what theatre companies should be offering their audiences.
“A priority for Theatre Ancaster, is to consider what experiences we offer to our community, both onstage and to our audiences. From an equity perspective, it is clear that we must shift the narrative of the stories that we put front and centre. Balancing traditional musical theatre, for those that love the classics, with contemporary dialogues is paramount to the future of theatre everywhere. The shift is sharing more diversity in story-telling as a global experience. Theatre Ancaster is excited to be a part of that and it is something I am personally committed to making happen.”
Gokhale’s activist nature comes through in the way she looks at Larson’s musical and its messages.
“The story is a powerful retelling of a time not long ago when North American culture was on the verge of a social justice revolution. This story asks us all to think about our own narrative, how it frames who we become as people and how the individuals that we surround ourselves with, can impact that story. When I direct this show, above all others, I feel like I am contributing to the conversation of equity and inclusivity that is happening around us.”
GARY SMITH HAS WRITTEN ABOUT THEATRE AND DANCE FOR THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR FOR 40 YEARS.