Embedded Files
by Robert Morgan, Leah Cherniak, and Martha Ross
Sara Starling is the Dramaturg for Queens Theatre Troupe's production of The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine written by by Robert Morgan, Leah Cherniak, and Martha Ross, produced by special arrangement with PLAYWRIGHTS GUILD OF CANADA, and directed by Victoria J Marmulak in Winter 2024. Sara is collaborating with Victoria to have their Dramaturgical research enrich the experience of all those involved in The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine, as well as Queens Theatre Troupe audience members. See below some of the research she did...
The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine was developed as a collaborative piece between the playwrights Robert Morgan, Martha Ross, and Leah Cherniak. As collaborators they explored the complexities, playfulness, and anger that arise from deeply loving, long-term relationships—the result of these ideas is the play you are about to watch.
Morgan, Ross, and Cherniak were all part of the original production of The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine in Toronto in 1987. Ernest and Ernestine were played by Morgan and Ross respectively, and the show was directed by Cherniak. The play continues to be produced and reinvented 37 years later.
Aside from The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine Leah Cherniak, Martha Ross, and Robert Morgan have collaborated on several other projects as co-writers. Some of these include: Until We Part (Cherniack, Ross), Still Clowning (Cherniack, Ross), and The Betrayal (Cherniack, Ross, Morgan, and others.)
The script is heavily influenced by the playwrights’ experience with clown work, specifically their studying of Lecoq (Cherniack herself studied at L'École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq.) This is where aspects of the script such as hyperbolic physicality, a lack of the fourth wall, and dramatic humour find their way into the performances. This approach is embedded in the script as well as by the performers in this show: Dani Braun (Ernest) and Jaeli Schnnor (Ernestine).
Jacques Lecoq
Jacques Lecoq
Commedia dell 'arte
Commedia dell 'arte
It is important to make the distinction that while The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine draws upon clown practices and traditions, it is not a clown show. As you will see, the actors lean into elements of clowning, drawing inspiration from the likes of Lecoq, Commedia dell ‘Arte all the way to Mr. Bean, however they never cross the threshold into full clown performance.
Mr. Bean
Mr. Bean
While Ernest and Ernestine are a couple of fickle, over-dramatic, obtuse individuals, they are undoubtedly, perfectly matched. We, the audience, follow the comedy and tragedy that follows this newly married couple as they begin their new life in a basement apartment.
As collaborators the authors explored the complexities, playfulness, and anger that arise from deeply loving, long-term relationships—the result of these ideas is the play!
As collaborators the authors explored the complexities, playfulness, and anger that arise from deeply loving, long-term relationships—the result of these ideas is the play!
The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine at its simplest is a story about love, marriage, and anger. However, in this production there is a heavy focus on the theme of unlearning: how do we unlearn our habits? How do we unlearn self-preservation and pride? How do we unlearn anger?
Ultimately, the heart of the story is their devotion and unwavering love for one another. Without their love there is no tension, and there is no play. The Anger in
Ernest and Ernestine asks audiences to look at their relationships with their partners, roommates, and themselves and consider their ridiculous habits and the silly little things they choose to fuss over, and think…at the end of the day is it better to choose love or choose anger?
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse