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Culture Stage

SummerWorks review: Soliloquy In English

SOLILOQUY IN ENGLISH by Patrick Blenkarn. Theatre Centre Green Roof. Aug 9 at 6:45 pm, Aug 10 at 5:30 pm, Aug 11 at 6:45 pm, Aug 13 at 2:45 and 5:30 pm, Aug 14 at 2:15 pm. See listing. Rating: NNN


What is the global market value of speaking English? Why does the phrase “I love you” sound like a cliché? And what was Joni Mitchell saying in that song from her album Blue? These are just some of the questions brought up in Patrick Blenkarn’s thoughtful Soliloquy In English.

The live art project consists of a book of interviews Blenkarn conducted with people whose first language is not English. On the roof of the Theatre Centre, this book is passed around and read by an intimate audience (including Blenkarn), creating a sense of community and enquiry.

It’s an intriguing exercise, especially during one sequence in which a sentence, passed from one reader to another, gradually changes meaning. See if someone breaks out into song. It could happen. And stay for a discussion afterwards.

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