WORLD PREMIERE
March 8 – 27, 2011
Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre, Ottawa
co-produced by the
Great Canadian Theatre Company and Sleeping Dog Theatre
written by Pierre Brault
dramaturgy and direction by Brian Quirt
performed by Pierre Brault
and another actor TBA
commissioned by the
Great Canadian Theatre Company
in 2009
The Shadow Cutter
The Shadow Cutter probes the theatrical world of magic through the remarkable life of one of its undisputed masters – Ottawa born Dai Vernon, unquestionably the 20th century’s most gifted sleight-of-hand artist. In a clandestine world where secrets are currency and illusion rules supreme, Vernon's mastery of manual manipulation made him a legend among magicians but a mystery to those closest to him. Celebrated as the only man ever to fool Houdini, he is still regarded throughout magic's inner circle as “The Professor” for his encyclopedic knowledge of the craft and his willingness to impart that artistry to others. The illusionist’s own secrets, however, were concealed in the shadows, out of sight from everyone including himself. Pierre Brault’s newest play conjures up Dai’s lifelong obsession with the ultimate card trick, and the unexpected cost of mastering it.
The Shadow Cutter is being developed in part through a Performing Arts Residency at the Banff Centre.
Image from GCTC’s season brochure by Jeff Lemire.
