Theatre Inconnu
Theatre Inconnu is an alternative theatre company in Victoria, BC which produces an annual season of contemporary and classic work.
History
Theatre Inconnu was born in 1978 as a creative venture by Katya Aho-Kern and Clayton Jevne, who together co-created and performed the troupe’s plays. For the first nine years the company – with Katya and Clayton at the helm – toured their unique blend of theatre, puppetry, and clowning in Canada and in Europe. In 1987 the troupe established itself in what is now considered its legendary 50-seat Market Square cavern theatre space in “Olde Towne” Victoria, BC.[1]
The company gradually shifted to an “acting” approach style of theatre, focusing on plays of an “alternative” nature. In addition to its regular season programming, in 1991 Theatre Inconnu launched an annual summer Shakespeare Festival. Beginning modestly in their Market Square venue, the event quickly grew to become a major tourist attraction in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. After producing the festival for 11 years (the last four taking place at St. Ann’s Academy Auditorium), Theatre Inconnu handed it over to the newly formed Victoria Shakespeare Society who continue to produce this well-attended annual event on the grounds of Camosun College.
Throughout this period, and up to the present day, Theatre Inconnu has continued to present vibrant theatre in an intimate setting. In 2004 the company became the resident theatre company in a new venue: the Little Fernwood Hall, where it continues to produce. This well-equipped “black box” theatre maintains the intimate and informal atmosphere of the troupe’s original home. Over the years Theatre Inconnu has continued to periodically take shows on the road, and in 2011 was invited to present its production of Moscow Stations at the United Solo Festival in New York City. Theatre Inconnu still proceeds under Clayton Jevne’s artistic directorship, and to date has produced more than 120 shows in Victoria.
