It's hard enough to find theatres that are willing to put on untried and new theatre. It's harder still to find theatres that are willing to put on Canadian pieces on for their audiences. Trying to find a theatre that is willing do both can be next to impossible. Well, step forward Factory Theatre. Thank you for taking the reins and giving us a venue that is willing to give us all new vibrant Canadian theatre.
Factory Theatre is a very rustic and older venue that shows its age a little bit. A smaller theatre that seats only 200 to 300 people, the auditorium seating is definitely a bit more aged than found in some newly renovated theatres. But I think this adds to its charm. You get the feeling as soon as you sit in your chair that you're about to see something truly new and innovative that hasn't been put on before. This venue, because of its charm, is also one of the great places to see a show in Toronto when the Fringe Festival is on.
This is not to say that all the work that is going to go on the stage at Factory is going to be stunning. In some cases it can be hard to get through. But most the time you get the feeling that you have just seen something not only fresh but really innovating and thought provoking. It's a privilege to have Factory Theatre in the city for that reason.