The gang at Dancing Sky Theatre is back at it this fall - this time with a unique and visually stunning presentation that invites audience members to reflect on, and sometimes even laugh at, the experience of living through a pandemic. Pandemics, Pratfalls and Prayers is the latest offering taking place on the Dancing Sky Theatre Outdoor Stage in Meacham. The show runs from September 10 - 19. 

Artistic Director Angus Ferguson admits that the 18 month pandemic prompted shutdown has put a damper on performing arts around the world, but he’s anxious for a talented crew to get back on stage after what he describes as “a weird time.” Their first official show makes use of their outdoor stage to accommodate all who want to attend in a more spacious environment.

“We wanted to find a way back in so all those people who love coming out to Dancing Sky could gather to see theatre again,” Ferguson says. “So we built a beautiful outdoor performance space. We’ve used it for a bit of storytelling, but this is the first show we’ve done in it. We thought people would be more comfortable outside before they pack themselves into the theatre.”

Pandemics, Pratfalls and Prayers incorporates some of the panto styled performance artistry that has long been popular at Dancing Sky, particularly with its revered Christmas shows. Puppets, large masks, and oversized props all feature prominently in the show that puts the trials of the last year and a half at the centre of a celebration for emerging from the lockdown. 

“We kind of wanted to have a reflection on it, have a bit of a think about it, and have a bit of a laugh about it. That’s an artist’s job to think about what’s happening in the world, and the biggest thing that’s been happening has been COVID. We wanted to have a play that would be a celebration of coming back together again.”

Master puppet and mask builder Crispi Lord has fashioned a new and striking variety of huge masks that lend themselves to performance in a large outdoor space. Ferguson and Lord began discussing the prospect of such a unique show in February, and she jumped on the opportunity. 

“We’ve had great fun designing all kinds of wondrous creatures: birds that fly, great tall puppets that are 8 or 9 feet high, some deer masks,” Ferguson says. “We’ve actually been working for three or four months on the design of it.”

Part of the design is to accommodate the expansive feel of stepping out onto the prairie and trying to fill that space with visuals, explains Ferguson. Far from the intimate space of the theatre’s interior with its lighting and stage effects, Ferguson and Lord approached this performance with a different vision by necessity. 

“When you step out on that big bold prairie, you need to fill it, because it’s so dramatic anyway. The shows are going to be in and around sunset time, so you have to create something visually interesting, otherwise people will be listening to the geese or watching the sunset.”

Like many Dancing Sky productions, the performance will be laced with original music anchored by the performers and long-time musical collaborator, Sheldon Corbett. 

“Sheldon Corbett has to be one of the hardest working musicians in Saskatchewan; I think he plays in pretty much every band,” laughs Ferguson, “All of the performers play musical instruments of some kind, guitars, ukuleles, bass, and the like. But Sheldon is great to have because he’s such a great musician who can steer and guide us. Sheldon’s our guru playing keyboard and sax.”

Along with Crispi Lord and Sheldon Corbett will be Dancing Sky newcomer Allysa Billingsley, Jenna Berenbaum, and stage manager Jensine Trondson. 

The show promises to present theatre unlike what audiences have seen before with the familiarity of the renowned Dancing Sky pantos. For a sneak peek, check out the video trailer available here. Tickets are available from the website: dancingskytheatre.com or by calling the box office at 306-653-5191. Picnic lunches are also available for those who call ahead and indicate they’d like one. 

For a peek into the performance, check out the trailer online.

Listen to the full interview with Angus Ferguson of Dancing Sky Theatre.