From Writer’s Block

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Writer's Block by Ground Zero Theatre
Vertigo Theatre
Thursday, March 13 - Sunday, March 23

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Vertigo Theatre

Writer’s Block marks a return to comedy for Calgary playwright Eugene Stickland. He doesn’t say why he felt now is the time to start writing funny again, but he does point out, “The world’s pretty messed up, politics are getting worse, arts funding is terrible, you need to either laugh at it all or go crazy.” It’s a philosophy Stickland applies to himself as well. “It’s critical to have a sense of humour about yourself.”

Which leads us back to Writer’s Block, a comedy about the vulnerability and frailty of a playwright struggling through — you guessed it — writer’s block. It’s a rare phenomenon to see a playwright so in love with the cast of people about to mount his new play. However, Stickland lights up when talking about this team, and it’s not hard to see why. For starters, he’s thrilled to again work with director Bob White, Stickland’s self-described artistic partner. “Bob’s a very positive force as a director, and he understands the importance of comedy.” White first taught Stickland the importance of entertaining audience members. “I did my entire MFA at York, and never once heard the word ‘entertainment.’ It took working at Alberta Theatre Projects with Bob to teach me that lesson.” It doesn’t hurt either that he’s working with a dream cast, including Trevor Leigh, Karen Johnson-Diamond, Duval Lang, Frank Zotter and Arielle Rombough, “I can watch these guys all day,” says Stickland. “Trevor is a very smart actor, and what makes him hilarious in this part is he knows to never step out of the seriousness of the moment, no matter how ludicrous.”

“There’s a need for joy these days,” Stickland says rhetorically. “Don’t you think?” Absolutely.