Soon after approaching the Arts Club with the idea for a new play about the transformative nature of music, playwright and musician Dorothy Dittrich was commissioned to turn her concept into reality.
Dittrich’s new work, The Piano Teacher, follows a renowned classical pianist named Erin (Megan Leitch) who, after experiencing great loss in her life, is unable to find solace in the music that once brought her so much joy. As she struggles to play her beloved instrument, an unconventional piano teacher (Caitriona Murphy) helps release her past and a new friend (Kamyar Pazandeh) invites possibilities for the future.
As an Arts Club Silver Commissions Project, The Piano Teacher received four script workshops and two public readings, evolving to its final production draft.
Of the play’s development journey, Dittrich notes, “The dramaturgical process provided a map, guidance, and support as I continued to make changes to the script. Conversations with dramaturg Rachel Ditor ensured that my intentions were being communicated through the script, and public readings were essential for gauging what worked and what didn’t once the play was living in real time through the actors. Director Yvette Nolan has also aided the script by bringing life to the visual aspects of the script, indicating where words are not needed and what can be shown rather than said.”
The Piano Teacher is the Arts Club’s 11th Silver Commission produced since 2006, with other notable commissions including Onegin (Amiel Gladstone and Veda Hille), The Waiting Room (John Mann and Morris Panych), and Tear the Curtain! (Kim Collier, Jonathon Young, and The Electric Company).
IN BRIEF Arts Club Theatre Company’s The Piano Teacher at the Arts Club’s Goldcorp Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre (162 West 1st Avenue) from April 20 to May 14,. Tuesday–Thursday at 7:30 pm, Friday & Saturday at 8 pm, Wednesday at 1:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets start at $29, inclusive of taxes and fees. Call the Arts Club Box Office at 604.687.1644 or visit artsclub.com.
