Dollhouse of Commons
Dollhouse of Commons
Our inspiration to build the Dollhouse was to bring theatre to the people; and to explore, as performers, an intimate relationship with audiences. We are curious about these questions: What would happen if we had to perform a show one on one with an audience with us inside the house, sharing the 20 square foot footprint? How can we hold an audience's attention if we are performing inside and they were watching the performance through the door or window? How can we use the confines of a tiny stage (when the 4th wall is open to create a proscenium playing space) to do a performance for an audience seated outside? How does the size change the way we perform, how we work, and the kind of plays we create?
So many times One Trunk dreams big- huge even, for a small company. Grappling with large budgets and technical ambitions that are nearly impossible to fund or achieve. In the Dollhouse of Commons, its size is both a restriction and a release from the demand of a large venue or large idea. We are inspired by the confines of the space. It simplifies and focuses our ideas, it refreshes the way we work and allows us to do more for less.
It also allows us to bring theatre to new audiences, introducing theatre to those who may never come into a physical theatre. Theatres can feel elitist, or foreign, they are often formal and intimidating. The Dollhouse of Commons breaks down these barriers by stripping theatre down to its simple form- sharing a story between a performer and (at least one) audience.
Can't come to the theatre? Don't worry! We'll come to you.
We are currently doing a call for tiny plays for our tiny theatre the Dollhouse of Commons, that can be written in isolation. Please visit the Dollhouse of Commons Submissions page for more info:
The Dollhouse of Commons was designed by Sasa Radulovic at 5468796 Architecture and built by Chris Pancoe and Shaun de Rooy, sponsored by The Forks Renewal Corporation
Photos by Mariel Orcullo, Graham McCallum and Melody Bousquet.