Banana Musik is part of Common Ground Arts’ Fall 2025 season.
Check out the rest of our season announcement here.
About Banana Musik
Written by Kris Alvarez
Performed by Kris, Jim, and Susan Alvarez
“BANANA MUSIK. The name my Dad gave his original music, recorded on his 8-track in our basement -that name, that spelling with a clean, precise, bamboo font from a mechanical pencil on the spine of dozens of cassette tapes neatly packed in a leatherette case.”
In this memory play about aging, reciprocity and care, 50-year-old “immigrant kid” Kris gives you a tour of her childhood home – the sights, sounds, smells – to meet her parents, while she takes inventory of ALL their stuff, trying to get to know them better in real time.
September 16-26, 2025 in the Backstage Theatre
ASL Interpretation will be available September 19th (Opening) and September 26th
Interpretation by Gail Benin with support from Jenni Stevens
Banana Musik has been certified as a Relaxed Environment! What does this mean? The show itself is welcoming to all. Please show up to any show exactly how you need to.
- There is no sudden lighting or sound cues.
- Sound levels are below 85 db’s
- Patrons are welcome to come and go as needed
- Sensory kits, fidgets, and earplugs are available upon request
Common Ground continues to expand its knowledge and relationship to access and works with local consultants and access coordinators to ensure lived experience takes priority when integrating access. If you have feedback or need further information, please reach out to CG Associate Producer Sarah Emslie at sarahemslie@commongroundarts.ca.
Thursday, September 25th: Brown Out Performance
Common Ground Arts, Concrete Theatre, and the Edmonton Chapter of the 3.7% Initiative are presenting Thursday, September 25th as a “Brown-Out Performance” PLUS reception afterward with food, community, and karaoke! This performance is reserved for those who identify in Filipinx and other BIPOC communities. Black and Brown Out Nights are events dedicated to celebrating with the communities reflected on stage. No ticketholder will be turned away from this performance, but we encourage audiences who are not Filipino or part of other racialized groups to attend other showtimes
SPECIAL EVENT: BURNT SIENNA
September 27, 2025 in the Backstage Theatre
Kris Alvarez and her family invite you to tune in to a variety show with a little more colour: Burnt Sienna, Kris’ 4-year theatre project, brings audiences together for an evening of conversation, food, humour, and heart with prairie artists, thinkers, and entertainers from diverse backgrounds.
BURNT SIENNA WORKSHOP SERIES
Check out three opportunities to connect with community and develop your artistic toolkit with the creators of Banana Musik and Burnt Sienna.
Attendance to all workshops is free of charge but capacity is limited, click HERE to register!
Banana Musik was workshopped as part of Found Festival 2024. Photos by Mat Simpson.
CREATIVE TEAM
Creators Kris, Jim, and Susan Alvarez
Accompanist Eric James
Lighting Designer Whittyn Jason
Collaborators Zöe & Iris James
Directorial Support Judy Wensel
Banana Musik is supported by:
