TFS Mounts Virtual Production of Original Play, The Wayfinders, This Month
In This Article
“Hope and connection in an often troubling, but beautiful world.”
That is what the creative team behind Toronto Film School’s latest virtual production of The Wayfinders hope audiences take away from watching their play.
Created and directed by Lauren Brotman, the 60-minute virtual play was inspired by scenes from Tara Beagan’s Dreary and Izzy and Yasmina Reza’s ART, and follows five strangers taking a journey on The Wayfinder train, each of whom is facing a life-altering experience.
“The capacity for human connection in painful and isolating times has always inspired me, as has finding ways to create and present painful stories in ways that offer a sense of hope,” said Brotman.
“The Wayfinders takes place today, somewhere between Southern Quebec and Southern Ontario…As these five strangers’ paths derail, the connection they make with each other allows them to find their way through the dark.”
Brotman said she and her five-person cast of TFS students had just a little over two months to bring their story to life.
“We began our creation process in October, completed our first draft by November, and have spent the last month rehearsing and exploring creation techniques to bring audiences with us on our journey,” she said.
“Thank you to the Acting 5Z class for opening and revealing yourselves, your hearts, your truths, your humour, and your bright imaginations.”
The Wayfinders, which is stage managed by Alex Gruspier, will take to the virtual stage for a three-performance run on Dec. 19, 20 and 21 as follows:
- Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 21 at 5 p.m.
Go to https://create.torontofilmschool.ca/showcase/the-wayfinders/ to livestream any of the above performances.
The Creative Team Behind The Wayfinders
Lauren Brotman – Creator & Director
Alex Gruspier – Co-Creator & Stage Manager
Kerry-Ann Bailey as Julie
Austin Haddock as Grayson
Emily Starnes as Ellie
Shengjun Xiong as Shawn
Michael Zhu as Matyss
