Jonah McGrath plays police inspector Meadows in Bygone Theatre’s upcoming production of the Joe Orton farce, Loot; this is Jonah’s first production with Bygone Theatre.
Bio: Jonah McGrath is a 23 year old performer from Toronto. He graduated from the Dramatic Arts program at Brock University in 2017 with a concentration in performance. Jonah has acted in a multitude of theatrical productions over the past seven years including: Play by Samuel Beckett, The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny by Bertolt Brecht, The Man in the Case by Anton Chekov and many more. Jonah is ecstatic to be a part of Bygone Theatre’s Loot ensemble and for the personal artistic growth and sheer hilarity that are bound to result from such a fabulous opportunity.
What made you want to be a part of Loot?
I was instantly drawn the hilarity of the plot of Loot. For nearly as long as I’ve been an actor I have loved good comedies and more specifically good english farces. It’s also worth noting that have just recently moved to Toronto and I was keen for the opportunity to connect with/work with fellow theatre artists from the city.
How do you feel about your character? Do you relate to them at all? Share any of the same traits?
Meadows is an unquestioningly obedient sidekick to Truscott. As a result of his steadfast loyalty to the British police force he remains quite aloof throughout the entirety of the play. I can certainly identify with this to some degree. There have most definitely been times in my life when my unquestioning faith in social constructs have lead me into a state of aloofness.
What’s been your favourite part of the rehearsal process so far?
Well, I think that the cast that’s been assembled for this production is both infinitely talented and funny. Just being given the opportunity to observe their exploration of the script and their respective characters has been immensely funny and informative as a growing artist.
Are you working on any other projects at the moment/ What might we have seen you in recently?
At the moment, I’m also working with a group of past peers and professors from Brock University on a devised theatre piece entitled We Who Know Nothing About Hiawatha. This production will explore the extreme societal disconnect between the indigenous population and the rest of Canadian society. This show will be staged at the In The Soil Arts Festival in downtown St Catharines over the course of late April.
Why should people come out and see the show?
Because it’s hilarious! I also believe that this piece is remarkably relevant to a modern Canadian audience. Joe Orton provides a wealth of commentary on those in positions of authority and social attitudes towards death which I think will most definitely resonate with Toronto show goers. If you’re a fan of either absurdist humour or scathing British commentary then this is the show for you!
Anything else you want us to know?
Come and check out We Who Know Nothing About Hiawatha as well as a variety of other theatrical productions and artistic exhibits at the In The Soil Arts Festival in St Catharines. The festival will run from April 27th to the 29th.
See Jonah onstage March 8-17, 2018 at the Alumnae Theatre. Tickets on sale now.
Bygone Theatre 