Christopher Hunt's Ribstone: A Deeply Personal Theatrical Journey
Calgary's beloved actor and playwright Christopher Hunt has created something truly special with his solo show Ribstone, a co-production between Lunchbox Theatre and The High Performance Rodeo. The production completely sold out its five-day run before opening night, demonstrating the immense anticipation for Hunt's highly personal theatrical creation.
A Sold-Out Success Story
The remarkable pre-opening sellout speaks volumes about Hunt's reputation within Calgary's theatre community. Audiences knew they were in for something exceptional based on his past performances, but few could have anticipated just how profoundly satisfying this 90-minute theatrical experience would become. The show's success occurred without traditional word-of-mouth promotion, relying instead on the community's trust in one of their most respected theatrical artists.
The Meaning Behind Ribstone
Ribstone takes its name from the Hunt family ranch, butcher shop, and various family endeavors. The title originates from an Indigenous rock that stood on a hill when the family first settled on their land. Throughout the performance, Hunt explores memories tinged with both regret and shame, creating what he describes as a "beautiful memory play" infused with a distinct sense of melancholy.
Masterful Character Portrayals
One of Hunt's greatest strengths as a performer has always been his ability to seamlessly transition between multiple characters. In Ribstone, he brings more than a dozen distinct personalities to life with remarkable ease and precision. The characters range from two Indigenous farm labourers and various family members spanning nearly a century to an elderly woman in a care home, a Montana rancher, and relatives of Hunt's first romantic interest.
Hunt never resorts to cheap laughs, though some characters naturally provide humorous moments. This subtlety represents the genius of his writing, making it difficult to determine whether the playwright or the actor deserves more credit for the production's success. The integration of writing and performance feels so seamless that audiences might forget the immense skill required to both create and execute such a complex solo work.
Thoughtful Production Design
Designer Hanne Loosen has created a deceptively simple yet highly effective set for Hunt's performance. A small wall at the back features carefully selected items including hats and a fiddle, each element destined to play a significant role in the storytelling. Hunt places a lamp in the window, signaling that every object on stage carries meaning and will have its moment in the narrative.
An old sewing machine transformed into a miniature movie theatre proves particularly effective, with Hunt utilizing this unique prop with such casual flair that it becomes genuinely theatrical. Director Jamie Dunsdon ensures that nothing on stage feels extraneous, with every element serving a clear purpose in advancing Hunt's storytelling. Dunsdon's lighting design skillfully highlights both Hunt and the significant objects on set, ensuring the audience remains fully engaged with the unfolding narrative.
A Theatrical Experience to Remember
For those fortunate enough to secure tickets to this sold-out run, Ribstone represents more than just another theatre production. It's a deeply personal exploration of family history, memory, and identity delivered through masterful writing and performance. The show demonstrates why Christopher Hunt remains one of Calgary's most respected theatrical talents and why audiences were willing to commit to this experience based solely on his reputation and the promise of something truly special.
