The Panther Prints

January 16, 1996

Winnipeg's Primus Theatre Group Comes to Campus

Primus, one of Canada’s most acclaimed alternative theatre compa- nies, is coming to PEI. Since their founding in 1988, Primus has toured Canada and Europe and performed in venues that ranged from the traditional to the highly unusual.

There is an Island connection with Primus. Ker Wells, one of their founding members, is a native of Alberton. Mr. Wells and two of his classmates from the national Theatre School of Canada joined. with director Richard Fowler to found the company in 1988. Since then, two other actors have joined the group.

The performances that are © created by Primus are unique and elaborate in their visual, musical, physical, and dramatic detail. The performers train rigorously to de- velop the skills needed to bring their

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multi-layered creations to the stage. The result is a stunning, provocative evening that will challenge the audience’s expectations of a modern theatre performance.

Theatre PEI is pleased to present Primus at the Alumni Gym, UPEI campus, Friday January 19 through Sunday January 21. Admis- sion is $12 for adults, $10 for stu- dents and seniors. Tickets are available at the door, but seating is limited, so those interested may wish to reserve by calling Theatre PEI at 566-0321.

In addition to their 3 perform- ances, Primus will be offering a workshop Saturday, January 20 from 10:00-3:00 on developing the actor’s physical and vocal resources. The fee for the workshop is $35. You may register by calling Theatre PEI at 566-0321. ;

Howdy there folks, and et Tuesday! I have an eclectic collec- tion of artists for you this week. Three blues releases, a diverse compilation, and something akin to dance music. Enough with the small talk; let’s start takin’ care of busi- ness.

Canada’s own Big Sugar are breaking new ground, and all the rules with their new EP Dear M.F. (Bread and Butter/A&M/Hypnotic). Solidly based in hard core blues, but infused with influences from all other types of music, this disk has something for almost everyone. Frontman Gordie Johnson’s funky and fuzzy guitar power is excep- tional as the band rips through three blues numbers, a laid back jazz instrumental, and a seven minute reggae tinged experimental track. Dear M.F. is a very worthy pur- chase.

England’s Nine Below Zero Ice Station Zebro (Pangea) is a little closer to the beaten path of heavy guitar blues-rock. That isn’t a bad thing, because this under-known band is one of the best groove-heavy blues bands since on today’s market. Skilled, energetic, and honest, there is little wonder why Eric Clapton booked them to open for him at his historic Albert Hall shows. Slightly more soul influenced than previous release Hot Music For a Cold Night, Ice Station Zebro is recommended to all blues fans.

Walk On (Capitol/EMI) is another solid release from American singer/songwriter John Hiatt. He has been twisting blues, rock, soul, and R&B into his own creations for

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many years now, and Walk On is no exception. His distinctly Southern style is sure to appeal to many different walks of life, including fans of modern country. If you like Tom Petty, you’ll love John Hiatt.

Groove-heavy, funkafied dance music is what The Chemical Brothers have supplied us with on this release Exit Planet Dust (Vir- gin). I make it no secret that I don’t care a whole lot for dance music, but I’ll try to be objective. The **songs’’ all seem to have the ob- ligatory monotonous beats, plastic techno sounds, and interchangeable- ness of tracks that most dance al- bums require. I must admit that the beats are a little infectious, and that Exit Planet Dust is the least annoy- ing dance record that I have heard in a very long time. That is high praise from me, dance fans, so I guess that you could call it a recommendation.

Last and certainly least is Triple Scoop, a sampler release from EMI records. It features 20 tracks from 20 of EMI’s hottest acts in- cluding The Tea Party, Blind Melon, Blur, 13 Engines, the Verve, The Smoking Popes, and many other stars. There are some great tracks, but many are far from the best that these bands have to offer. I have reviewed many of the records from which these songs came and I can say for certain that most of them are better than this compilation would have you believe. I would suggest that you leave this one on the shelf, folks.

Well, that’s it for this week. Keep the music alive, support your . local artists, and never pet a burning dog.

ertainment pages in future Issues for an

exciting new contest from Panther Prints and EMI Music §