A unique community artistic collaboration is coming to the Russian Hall as Leaky Heaven Performance presents the world premiere of Slip Slap Trip Wack from July 26th to 28th. The family-friendly work brings to life the imaginative worlds of 8–12-year-olds, in a creative collaboration between the artists of Leaky Heaven and youth who live near the studio at the Russian Hall. The project, which encourages audience members to become active participants, is the first professional theatrical endeavour for most of the children.
“Over the past four years, we’ve explored the foundations of collaboration, physical play and humour with the kids in the community here in Strathcona,” says Josh Hite, co-artistic director of Leaky Heaven. “Together, we’ve taken centuries-old comedic tropes that predate vaudeville and the origin of cinema, and given them a contemporary comedic structure. Bringing together children and adults in both the creation of the work and its audience will challenge the dynamic between viewing and participating. We’re making space for rambunctiousness, an opportunity for kids to be kids, and a poignant reminder for adults of the joy of play.”
Slip Slap Trip Wack places the audience on a rotating viewing device, allowing them to sit back and watch different gags and sketches, as well as volunteer to perform in them. The 360-degree performance “ride” will unfold through the creative collaboration of willing members of the audience, local youth, and professional artists. The work will feature co-artistic directors Josh Hite and Steven Hill, in addition to Lois Anderson, Dave Biddle, Justine A. Chambers (costume design), Avery Chapman, Marion Jacobs, Marita Michaelis, Nancy Tam (sound composition), Paula Viitanen (set design), and Katayoon Yousefbigloo.
Slip Slap Trip Wack was developed over the course of a 10-week workshop series in partnership with RayCam Co-operative Centre, in which youth participants explored the hijinks and pranks of Our Gang, a series of 220 short comedic films first produced in 1922 and later popularly known as The Little Rascals. Each week focused on a different gag, such as the descriptively named: “Pie in the Face,” “Two Kids in a Trenchcoat,” “Wearing a Balloon Suit,” and even “Dealing with Incompetent Angry Adults.” Elements from the workshops will be worked into the final performance, which may also feature dogs pulling DIY cars made by the youth.
That same playful touch can also be seen in concessions available during the performance. Rigorous taste testing will be completed leading up to the opening night in order to develop specialty food and pranks dreamt up by the children. Even the cost of admission will be based on the type of alternative economies seen in Our Gang. Money will be accepted for tickets ($14 Adult), but young audience members can pay cash ($5) or they may also barter entry with belongings brought from home, such as toys and books.
Slip Slap Trip Wack takes place at Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Avenue, Friday July 26 5pm-8pm, Saturday July 27 and Sunday July 28 10am – 4pm. Performances will run continuously during each day’s showtimes but audiences are encouraged to stay on the ride for the duration of an original “Our Gang” episode, approximately 20 minutes.
For more show information, visit leakyheaven.com/slip-slap-trip-wack.