Neoteny Theatre
Neoteny Theatre is an independent theatre company in Toronto, founded in 2013 by director and producer Carly Chamberlain and also includes associate artists: dramaturg Susan Bond, and actor Kelly Penner. The company is currently on hiatus while Chamberlain attends the Directing Program at The National Theatre School of Canada.[1]
Mandate
Neoteny Theatre's mandate is to produce modern re-imaginings of classics and lesser-known contemporary works. The focus is on "work that is bold, playful, honest, and maybe a little weird, while speaking to our core value of social equality." [2] The name Neoteny was inspired by novelist Tom Robbins' definition of the word in Still-life with Woodpecker: “Humanity has advanced, when it has advanced, not because it has been sober, responsible, and cautious, but because it has been playful, rebellious, and immature." [3] [4]
Production History
2014: Vinegar Tom by Caryl Churchill, presented as part of The Playwright Project in Toronto, Ontario. Creative Team: Directed and produced by Carly Chamberlain, music by Chris Reineck, projections by Shashwat Sharma, dramaturgy by Susan Bond, and performances by Madeleine Donohue, Sophia Fabiilli, John Gordon, Lynne Griffin, Keelin Jack, Jessica Moss, Kelly Penner and Sabryn Rock.[5]
2013: Overruled by George Bernard Shaw and Romance by Neil LaBute, presented at Red Sandcastle Theatre in Toronto, Ontario. Creative Team: Directed and produced by Carly Chamberlain, assistant directed by Susan Bond, stage managed by Laura Paduch, and performances by Amos Crawley, Kelly Penner, Caitlin Stewart, and Meghan Swaby.[6]
