What do you do when you can’t go down the same way that you came up?
“Captivating, entertaining, and enthralling the entire time.”—Calgary Sun
The Highest Step in the World is a new solo performance that integrates video projection and flying technology in a mythology about the necessity of risk. The play weaves together three storylines--the true story of Air Force Captain Joseph Kittinger, who skydived to earth from the edge of space on August 16, 1960, the true story of Vesna Vulovic, the Serbian airline stewardess who fell 33,000 and survived after the plane she was on was bombed, and the mythical story of Icarus and his loving father Daedalus. You know how that one goes.
Created in association with Alberta Theatre Projects.
Premiered: February 20, 2010 at Alberta Theatre Projects’ Enbridge PlayRites Festival
AWARDS
Outstanding Production, 2015 Saskatoon and Area Theatre Awards
Outstanding Projection Design, 2015 Saskatoon and Area Theatre Awards
Technical Merit Award, The Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology, 2012
Outstanding Production of a Play, 2010 Betty Mitchell Awards
Outstanding Choreography or Fight Direction, 2010 Betty Mitchell Awards
Nomination - Outstanding New Play, 2010 Betty Mitchell Awards
Nomination - Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Dramatic Role (David van Belle), 2010 Betty Mitchell Awards
Nomination - Outstanding Sound Design (Ben Chaisson), 2010 Betty Mitchell Awards
Short List - Gwen Pharis Ringwood Prize 2011 for Playwriting (David van Belle and Eric Rose)
Credits
Performed by David van Belle
Text: Eric Rose and David van Belle
Direction: Eric Rose
Dramaturgy: Vicki Stroich
Set, Costume and Lighting Design: Ami Farrow
Projection and Sound Design: Ben Chaisson
Motion Graphics Design: Court Brinsmead
Flying Direction: Adrian Young
Flying Assistance: Chris McPherson and Michael King
Vocal Coaching: Jane MacFarlane
Stage Managment: Joanne P.B. Smith
Technical Director: Wladimiro A. Woyno Rodriguez
Photgraphy: Aldona Barutowicz, Anton de Groot, Ami Farrow
Praise for the Highest Step in the world
“Exceptionally well-acted.” Kelly Nestruck, Globe and Mail.
“...suffice it to say that little local theatre company Ghost River creates flight in this production that puts the most cash-infused performance of Peter Pan, Spiderman or Cirque du Soleil to shame…. The stories are unique, van Belle’s performance is strong, the writing, direction, sound, set design, graphics and video projection are all fantastic (kudos to the whole crew) and for me it was a mind-bendingly good way to spend 75 minutes of my time.” Jessica Goldman, CBC Radio Reviewer
“...a finely crafted piece of both theatre and art unlike anything I have ever seen or felt.” Craig Palmer - Avenue Magazine
“Ghost River specializes in original work. They research and create the plays from scratch, workshop them with a creative and resourceful production team, and refine the spoken language with a good dramaturg, Vicki Stroich. The results pay off with hypnotic storytelling, interesting visuals and a longstanding sense of satisfaction when the show is finished.” Calgary Culture Blogger Simone Keiran
“The Highest Step in the World is one wonderful step for Rose and van Belle, and one giant leap for Calgary theatre ... –Drew Anderson, FFWD Magazine