National Network for Equitable Library Service

Although he has won plaudits and awards for work in film, television, and on stage, Tony Nardi's most recent headlines have been earned by his TWO LETTERS … And Counting!. Two Letters is based on two actual letters sent to “middle-men” of the Canadian cultural scene: a film/television producer and two theatre critics. Letter One articulates an actor/writer's struggle with cultural stereotypes in Canadian theatre/film/TV. Letter Two challenges misconceptions about commedia dell'arte by present-day theatre critics and directors. It explores a history of an 'actor-less' theatre culture in Canada at the hands of 'director's theatre,' in which, increasingly, a tradition of over-trained actors and under-trained directors is encouraged. "...And Counting!" (Letter Three) is a postmortem of Two Letters, and a journey into the present state of theatre, culture (and funding).