Veronica Hortigüela and Annie Luján
Monks
Artist Showcase
Theatre
National Arts Center
Thursday, December 4
7:30 p.m
Veronica Hortigüela and Annie Luján are Toronto-based Dora-award-winning actors, clowns, and theatre artists. They are friends and collaborators of over 15 years, with a shared passion to make space for modern clowning in Canada’s theatre landscape. MONKS marks their debut work as creators and directors (designers too!), and is a testament to their commitment to play, audience and the ridiculous.
MONKS premiered to great public and critical acclaim with a sold out run at the 2024 Toronto Fringe Festival, winning a coveted Patrons’ Pick Award. An instant cult-favourite, this Globe and Mail Critic’s Pick’ was quickly remounted at Crow’s Theatre and then The Theatre Centre, entirely selling out nearly three weeks in advance of opening. With many audience members returning up to five times, the Brothers promise that no two performances are ever the same. Welcome to the monastery!
Monks
Are you there God? It’s us, MONKS.
The monks who reside in the hilltop monastery have always lived in total isolation. When the Abbot ventures into town, two medieval Brothers take the opportunity to invite a wagon full of strangers to their austere abode. Trying to complete their tasks of counting lentils, caring for their donkey, and keeping the monastery standing becomes the quest of a lifetime.
MONKS is a shockingly dumb interactive clown show that incorporates physical theatre, the mischief and mockery of bouffon, magical realism, and unbridled chaos. In this monastery of modern clowning, no two shows are alike.