From Press Release
Do You Remember Me?
A dramatic look at the Black family through history
Do You Remember Me combines the clever wordplay of spoken word/slam poetry, and the
energy of interpretive dance with the rhythm of neo-soul and gospel music to treat audiences to
a one of a kind dramatic presentation! The show opens on Thursday July 5 at 9 p.m. at the BAND Gallery located at 823A Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario. A special launch reception will take place after the show.
Inspired by myths, stereotypes and painful truths connected to Black/African populations
globally, Do You Remember Me features intellectual, humorous, and heartrending dialogue
between male and female characters of the past and present culminating with a firm resolution
to restore what has been lost to ensure a brighter future. The play was created when the pastor
of a local Toronto church called for creative efforts to address challenging issues faced by
members of his congregation. The piece was first presented before an audience of over one
thousand as a part of the church’s Black History Month celebrations in February 2012. This is
the first time the play will be presented through The Fringe Festival.
Do You Remember Me is written by Greg Birkett. He is an award-winning poet, TDSB teacher,
and recognized community educator (Governor-General Award for Teaching Excellence
Finalist, 2011) and co-writer of “The Litany of the Gun” (co-written with Toronto Star columnist
Royson James) which was performed at schools and community functions throughout the
Greater Toronto Area. He has also written for the Toronto Star, and was featured in Sway
Magazine due to his innovative approach to classroom teaching and education. Do You
Remember Me’s cast is a collective of young, talented and established poets, actors, dancers,
and singers. They include Nigel Hunter (co-developer and co-writer of Vision TV mini-
series “Soul”), and dancer/choreographer Tricia Merraro (Dramatic-musical “Deep River”,
Toronto Centre for the Arts).
Do You Remember Me will alter perspectives, inform opinions, and inspire everyone to think
critically about the impact of society on intimate relationships. The play is a fresh, artistic, and
real approach to resolving the growing divide amongst families worldwide.
G.I.A. Productions
in association with the Toronto Fringe Festival presents
Do You Remember Me?
Written by Greg Birkett
Directed by Joan Watson
Opens: July 5 Runs to: July 10
BAND Gallery, 823A Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON
Performances:
Thursday, July 5, 2012 – 9:00 p.m.
Friday, July 6, 2012 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 7, 2012 – 9:15 p.m.
Sunday, July 8, 2012 – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 8, 2012 – 4:00 p.m.
Monday, July 9, 2012 – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012 – 9:00 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $10
Tickets available:
Online: www.fringetoronto.com (Visa/MasterCard)
By phone: (416) 966-1062 x.1 (Visa/MasterCard)
In Person: Festival Box Office, 581 Bloor St. West (Cash, Visa/MasterCard)
At the Venue: (Cash only)
For more information on Do You Remember Me?
Website: www.giaflav.wordpress.com