So you saw Avatar, now you should see “The Making of St. Jerome” 

It’s true that the Navi people from Avatar are sexy in a gigantor type of way, but it’s not based on a true story.

Avatar also isn’t based on someone you probably know personally.

“The Making of St. Jerome” is based Jeffrey Reodica’s death by police officer. In 2004, Jeffrey was shot in the back three times by a plain clothes police officer. “The Making of St. Jerome” centers around Jeff’s brother and my good friend, Joel, and how he deals with it. Joel rallied hundreds of people in the “Justice for Jeffrey” campaign to help uncover the truth and remove the inappropriate labels associated with Jeffrey.

For several years, the campaign and incident were covered in the news and on this blog. I even recall someone from The Toronto Star trying to contact me for information while I was in Seattle.

The production quality and performance of the actors surprised me in a good way. It was also very emotional sitting beside Joel and Gail while the actors masterfully re-enacted tragic memories.

Please show your support for this tragic, but inspiring story. Enjoy the culture and talent of Toronto.

From opening night last night:

THE NEXT STAGE THEATRE FESTIVAL & eastBOUNDtheatre present…

(original source)

The Making of St. Jerome By Marie Beath Badian

Directed by Nina Lee Aquino / Lighting design by Aaron Kelly / Sound design by Romeo Candido / Set and costume design by Jackie Chau / Choreography by Clare Preuss/ Stage Managed by Kat Chin

Featuring Byron Abalos, Keith Barker, Aura Carcueva, Audrey Dwyer, Christian Feliciano

THE PLAY:

After Jerome’s violent death, his older brother Jason embarks on a quest to bring the police officer that shot him to justice. Jason’s pursuit uncovers uncomfortable facts and plants a growing seed of doubt about Jerome’s innocence. Inspired by the 2004 fatal shooting of a Filipino-Canadian teenager by a plain-clothes police officer, The Making of St. Jerome is an exploration of guilt, grief, and brotherly love, set against the backdrop of a Coroner’s Inquest into the untimely death of a Toronto schoolboy.

Multiple-award winning director Nina Lee Aquino directs this powerful and haunting piece written by fu-GEN Theatre’s 2008-2009 Playwright-in-Residence Marie Beath Badian.

Factory Studio / 75 Minutes /
Drama / General Audience / Strong Language / Gunshots

SHOW TIMES:

Wednesday January 6th – 9:00PM

Thursday January 7th – 7:15PM

Friday January 8th – 9:15PM

Saturday January 9th – 9:00PM

Sunday January 10th – 7:15PM

Wednesday January 13th – 8:30PM

Thursday January 14th – 5:30PM

Saturday January 16th – 7:15PM

Sunday January 17th – 3:30PM

TICKET PRICES:

$15 – Evening Performances (7pm and after start time)

$12 – Afternoon Performance (6:59pm or before start time)

HOW TO PURCHASE:
By phone: 416-966-1062
Toll Free:1-866-515-7799

Nov 17 – Dec 22, 10am – 4pm, Monday – Friday

Dec 29 – Jan 5, 10am – 4pm, Monday – Friday

Jan 6 – 17, 10am – 5pm, daily

Online: Visa & Mastercard only

http://www.fringetoronto.com/nstf/nstf_tickets.html

In Person
Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst St.

Jan 6 – 17, 2010: Mon – Wed 5:30pm – 9:30pm / Thurs & Fri 4pm – 10pm/ Sat & Sun 2pm – 10pm

Cash, Visa & Mastercard (NO Debit or AmEx)

All shows start on time
No latecomers will be admitted and no-readmittance
General seating for all performances
No refunds or exchanges