Experimental Selves

Music and Lyrics by Zachary Florence

logo art by Andrea Williamson

About the Show

Inspired by the novels of Milan Kundera, Experimental Selves tells the story of Katya, a photographer in an undisclosed post-Soviet country. Caught between the life she lives as the lover of a prominent and married judge, Konstantin, and the new life she could live when her former lover, the revolutionary Vassily, returns, Katya’s political and personal allegiances are tested through her country’s transition to democracy.

Production History

Experimental Selves was presented at the David MacK. Murray Theatre in Halifax in March 2004. The production was directed by Zachary Florence, with co-direction and choreography by Sarah Chenevert-Beaudoin. Set design was by Andrea Williamson, costume design by Rachel Huebert, and lighting design by Garrett G. Barker. Peter Gorman was the musical director and Jonathan Lear was the stage manager. The production featured the following cast:  Stephanie Dick (Katya), Eric Benson (Konstantin), Pat Brennan (Sergei/Prison Guard), Michael Goldlist (Viktor), Kyle Cameron (Vassily), Katie Dawson (Irena), Scott Stephenson (Andrei), Sabrina A. Bandali (Hanna), Victoria Bullard (Old Woman), Amy Teitel (Young Woman), Sydney Galbraith (Anya) and Sophia Bearden (Sofia).

A revised version of Experimental Selves was presented as a reading at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada in July 2010. The reading was directed by Zachary Florence. Lily Ling was the musical director and Jamie Drake played drums and percussion. The reading featured the following cast: Heather McGuigan (Katya), Anthony Malarky (Konstantin), Wayne Gwillim (Sergei), Neil Barclay (Viktor), Kyle Blair (Vassily), Beryl Bain (Irena), Louie Rossetti (Andrei), Saccha Dennis (Hanna), Melanie Phillipson (Anya), Jacqueline Thair (Sofia) and Colin LePage (Prison Guard).

Songs

I Would Have Wanted
Gabi Epstein, vocal; Franklin Brasz, piano

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If I Need You/Katya’s Letter
Eric Craig, Sara Farb and Thom Allison, vocals; Lily Ling, piano; Jamie Drake, percussion; Calum MacLeod, bass; Natalie Wong, violin/viola

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Or Will She Learn
Susan Henley, vocal; Lily Ling, piano; Jamie Drake, percussion; Calum MacLeod, bass; Natalie Wong, violin

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She’s Never There
Juan Chioran, vocal; Zachary Florence, piano

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Since I’ve Seen You
Thom Allison and Gabi Epstein, vocals; Danny McErlain, piano

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Still Dreaming
Thom Allison, vocal; Lily Ling, piano; Jamie Drake, percussion; Calum MacLeod, bass; Natalie Wong, violin/viola

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