Description:
“After Faust” delves into the untold narrative of Mephistopheles following the classic Faustian tale. Directed by Ebony R. Gooden, the production examines themes of mental health, depression, loss, and magic, offering a poignant reflection on the path to forgiveness and self-transformation.
The play was presented as part of RISER Edmonton 2023, a collaborative producing model aimed at supporting emerging artists. Performed entirely in ASL by a Deaf cast, “After Faust” challenges traditional accessibility norms in theatre, providing a platform for Deaf and queer identities to intersect and resonate with audiences.
Production Highlights:
- Themes: Mental health, self-forgiveness, transformation, and magic.
- Language: Performed in American Sign Language (ASL)
- Accessibility: Creative captioning design, ASL, voice over artists, IV interpreters
Creative Team:
RISER Edmonton Production Manager: Kat Evans
Playwright: Connor Yuzwenko-Martin
Director: Ebony R. Gooden
Technical Director: Judah Truong
Cast:
Mustafa Alabssi as CASSIO
Gaitrie Killings as MEPHISTOPHELES
Jan McCarthy as THOMAS AQUINAS
Kayla Bradford Sinasac as PEIA
Hodan Youssouf as ELON MUSK
Design Team:
Set & Costume: Madeline Blondal
Sound: Dave Clarke
Associate Sound Designer: Derek Miiller
Projection & Captions: Christen Long
Lighting: Rory Turner
Choreographer: Ainsley Hillyard
Stage Manager: Kiidra Duhault
ASL Interpreters: Andrea Konowalec, Robyn Lavender, Gail Benin, Mikayla Maione
ASL Coach: Thurga Kanagasekarampillai
Directorial Dramaturg: Pat Darbasie
Indigenous Consultant: Crystal Wolfe
Voice Actor: Luc Tellier
About Common Arts Society:
Common Ground Arts Society, in partnership with Toronto’s Why Not Theatre, has the honour of presenting these four new works on Edmonton’s stages from January-March 2023. Connor Yuzwenko-Martin was one of the artist particpanting in this program!
Venue: Backstage Theatre at the Fringe Theatre Arts Barns (10330 84 Avenue NW)
Run Time: Approximately 100 minutes (no intermission)
