Summer Reading: Anna Chatterton

We asked MFA alumni publishing books this season what they’re reading, and what they'd recommend. Here's Anna Chatterton's list:

"I read various plays all at once according to what I am working on, so at present: Uncle Vanya in a new version by Annie Baker; Seeds by Annabel Soutar; Top Dog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks. Annie Baker's aim with Uncle Vanya was to create a version for the audience that sounds to our (American) contemporary ears the way the play sounded in Russian in 1898. I find it super exciting. Seeds is a documentary play, with the author as a character in the play, using verbatim text. Top Dog/Underdog is one of the best plays I have ever read, the rhythm and language are astounding, as is the dramatic impact. I return to it often so am rereading it probably for the tenth time."

Anna's co-created play, Gertrude and Alice—which vividly breathes life into literary and cultural icons Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas—was recently published published by Playwrights Canada Press. The Toronto launch will be part of the Pride festivities at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre on Thursday, June 21 at 7pm.

Plus...save the date: the acclaimed stage production of Gertrude and Alice (featuring original creators Anna Chatterton and Evelyn Perry, and directed by Karin Randoja) returns to Buddies in Bad Times, Sept 19th to Oct 7th, 2018.