| Calgary’s troupe of high performance fools are on the move.
The Green Fools, who have been based out of Crump Manor in Ramsay for the past seven years, are relocating to a new venue after a recent change in personnel.
"We’re moving across the tracks," says Green Fools co-founder Dean Bareham, referring to the railway line that runs between Ramsay and Inglewood.
The impending move to Inglewood’s Woodstone Studios building, located at 1215 13th St. S.E., was the result of the other Green Fools co-founder (and former co-artistic director) Christine Cook’s resignation from the company.
Bareham and Cook co-founded Green Fools in 1991 after they graduated from the Dell ‘Arte International School of Physical Theatre in California. Their creative split precipitated the Green Fools’ move as Cook’s mother owns Crump Manor. The personnel reconfiguration leaves Bareham and co-artistic director Jennie Esdale as the reigning Fools.
"It’s unfortunate," says Bareham. "But there’s no hard feelings, Christine is moving on to other things." Cook is pursuing her new project, leading the Calgary Animated Objects Society that will co-produce the Calgary Animated Objects Festival in 2005.
Meanwhile, the Fools’ impromptu relocation means they’ll be leaving an established theatre and workshop venue where they have invested considerable time and money and moving into a location that, at present, has no performance space.
"It’s a big, big, change," says Bareham. "There is a real shortage of theatre space in Calgary. Right now we’re looking for one or two other companies who want to work with us to develop the new venue."
The Fools and any other prospective group that joins them in developing the Woodstone Studios location will need to go through the process of getting approval for a "change of use" permit from the City of Calgary to gain permission to construct a theatre at that location. The rezoning process can be time-consuming, with the applicants needing to demonstrate to officials at the city’s planning department that they will be able to accommodate the parking needs of patrons who would attend performances at their new venue.
The situation hasn’t curbed Bareham’s enthusiasm for the company or his commitment to maintain it as a vibrant force on the local theatre scene. "We’ll be performing lots this summer," he says. "Look for us at the Street Performers Festival."
In the meantime, "the big move" – as the Fools are calling it – is scheduled for Saturday, May 29. Volunteers with strong backs and a keen sense of humour are welcome to come out and help the troupe relocate to their new home. |
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