The way we create. The way we work. The way our theatre happens.
Theatre Gargantua has been making theatre this way in Toronto since 1992. Our approach to creation is constantly changing and developing, but it is grounded in a method which was created by Artistic Director, Jacquie P.A. Thomas. After working with companies such as Ossetynski Actor’s Lab (Los Angeles), The National Theatre of Greece and The Gardzienice Theatre Association (Poland), Jacquie applied her experience to the development of her own artistic vision, initiating a process of theatre-making which was unique to Toronto.
The foundation on which we build our theatre is the notion that beautiful, meaningful work takes time to create. We found the old standard three-week model was not nearly enough time to produce and rehearse a show that intimately integrates all the elements of a Gargantua production. Jacquie’s solution? Take the time. Become intimate with the work. Know it. Break the model down into a process involving several phases, which generally occur over a two year period.
Each cycle involves annual spring, summer and fall phases, with planning and preparation taking place between each phase. These breaks also serve as time for reflection and for the development of new ideas. Every fall phase is followed up with a fully mounted production, while spring and summer phases usually have smaller scale presentations. Once cycles are completed, and have received their final full production, they enter into the company’s repertoire, and may be remounted for tours or festivals.