TORONTO -- Alumnae Theatre's annual 'behind-the-curtain' festival FireWorks is back from November 9 - 27 with three original, full-length plays: The Creases In My Sari by Sindhuri Nandhakumar, Inked Heart by D.J. Sylvis, and Motherland by Kristine Greenaway. The festival is developed entirely in-house and includes a number of bonus events aimed at giving audiences an insight into play themes and the creative process. Cultural influences take centre stage this year, with explorations of how we're affected by political unrest, family dynamics, human nature, art and convention.

THE PLAYS

The Creases In My Sari by Sindhuri Nandhakumar (November 9 - 13)

Two young Sri Lankan immigrants from warring factions fall in love, but growing political turmoil and their own cultural baggage threaten to drive them apart, even in Toronto. Shadows of the past and secrets abound, and radicalism erupts as the violence in Sri Lanka escalates. Kimberley Radmacher directs the talented cast featuring: Brittany Miranda, Jasmine D’Costa* and Suchiththa Wickremesooriya and Lionel Boodlal*.

Inked Heart by D.J. Sylvis (November 16 - 20)

A Toronto tattoo artist aspires to become a successful painter while struggling with the breakup of his marriage. His mouthy goth-girl apprentice has her own story. A plot full of twists and hidden agendas, with surprising insights into the complexities of human nature - and the art of the tattoo. Directed by Pamela Redfern*, the cast includes: Zachary McKendrick, Amanda McKnight, Liz Wigderson, Britt Wilen and Andrew Gaunce.

Motherland by Kristine Greenaway (November 23 - 27)

A young Armenian actor-musician strives to make a life for himself as an artist in his economically depressed country and to break free of a smothering mother. A free-spirited young Frenchwoman does battle with his mother for Davit's future, pitting progress against tradition as the action reaches a climax that is both horrific and inevitable. Directed by Andreja Kovacand featuring: Erik Mrakovcic, Krys Potapczyk, Konstantina Mantelos and James Hyett.

Meet and greet

Mingle with the actors and production team after each opening night show. Bar open. Light refreshments served.

Writer and director talkback

A deeper look into the play and creative process. November 12, 19 and 26 following matinees.

Panel discussion

Join us and special guests at 7pm on the Friday of each run to learn more about the topics presented in the plays. We'll delve into Sri Lankan conflict and what it means to be an immigrant from a war-torn country (November 11), the cultural history of tattooing and what goes on in today's tattoo parlours (November 18), and Armenia's conflict between progress and tradition (November 25).

November 9-27, 2016 (Wednesday-Saturday 8 PM, Saturday & Sunday 2 PM) Cast and crew meet and greet - Nov 9, 16 and 23 opening night post-show receptions Director/writer talkbacks - Nov 12, 19 and 26 following matinees Panel discussion with special guests - November 11, 18 and 25, 7pm Ticket price: $15. Available at www.alumnaetheatre.com or one hour before show (cash only at door). For special ticket requests, contact reservations@alumnaetheatre.com