Forget whatever preconceived notions you may harbour about beat-poetry. Writer/director/actor/producer Nicole Stamp's show is not to be missed.~
I first experienced Nicole's 'Better Parts' at Toronto's Harbourfront Centre's Omiala festival in 2004. As a mere 25 minute performance, I left the show wanting more. I knew immediately that she was someone whose career I would follow. Why, you ask? Well, more on that later.
~
Most recently, I caught her in Frances-Anne Solomon's movie A Winter Tale, the opening film at the 2007 Reel World Music Festival. As Julie, the understanding wife of Ian, a man still angry about growing up fatherless, Nicole's small but principal role balanced actor Peter Bailey's performance as a withdrawn, yet reactive husband. (His was one of the film's standout roles.)~
So, why does 'Better Parts' appeal to audiences? Because Nicole is "naked" on stage. Slowly and self-assuredly, she draws us into her web. With self-deprecating humour, some sexy moaning, and ad lib operatic octaves, Nicole opens up about her early days working as a temp and her ongoing alternative lifestyle. She also takes a few playful pokes at her West Indian heritage--to the point where not all relatives approve. All the while, Nicole performs against bassist Daniel Fortin's backdrop of enticing beats blended with both classical and rock music riffs. These riffs react to, contrast, and compliment her every word. Nicole's is a performance not to be missed.
~
BETTER PARTS
Bread & Circus
193 1/2 Baldwin Street
Toronto, ON
(south on Augusta: west of Spadina, below Dundas)
9:00 PM
Resources
http://www.nicolestamp.com/
http://www.awintertale.ca/
http://www.breadandcircus.ca/
http://www.reelworld.ca/
http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/
http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/noflash/mediaDisplay.php?id=82
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