UNews - David Eldridge

Festen offers dark perspective

trevor.kenney — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:29:32 +0000

Secrets, scandal and slander are the themes of David Eldridge's Festen, the next Theatre and Dramatic Arts production, playing Nov. 24 to 28, 8 p.m. nightly in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre.

This dark and intriguing work shakes the skeletons in the closet of a family's shameful past, rocking their foundation and threatening to destroy their middle-class respectability.

"This is one of those plays actors starve for," says Director Jay Whitehead. "The cast has truly embraced the challenges of this play – to go to the dark places the material takes them. We've spent a great deal of time preparing relationships, as there is a great deal of love among the hate within each of the characters."

The play begins at patriarch Helge's 60th birthday party as family members gather to celebrate and to smooth over the cracks left by daughter Linda's recent suicide. As Helge's eldest son, Christian raises the first toast, and guests are rocked by revelations he is determined to expose.

"The play is so confronting," says Whitehead. "We want the audience to be right in the middle of it."

Quite literally, the audience will feel like guests at the table as seating is set on stage – an intimate and eye-opening spectacle as the plot unravels. From the revealing lighting to the stark set, the elements of the production add to the emotional character of the play.

"The lighting, sound and set are innovative and interesting," says Whitehead. "The look and feel of the production very much aligns with the mood and tone of the play."

The set was designed by James McDowell, with Kelly Roberts as sound designer and Mike Takats as the lighting designer.

"This is an emotional night at the theatre," adds Whitehead. "The themes revolve around relationships that are universal. Festen exposes the big pink elephants in the room, which all families can identify with."

Audiences are warned that the subject matter is very mature, and may be unsuitable for audiences under 18 years of age. Seating is very limited, and tickets are on sale at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office.

Festen offers dark perspective

trevor.kenney — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:39:34 +0000

This dark and intriguing work shakes the skeletons in the closet of a family's shameful past, rocking their foundation and threatening to destroy their middle-class respectability.

"The play is so confronting," says Whitehead. "We want the audience to be right in the middle of it."

"The lighting, sound and set are innovative and interesting," says Whitehead. "The look and feel of the production very much aligns with the mood and tone of the play."

The set was designed by James McDowell, with Kelly Roberts as sound designer and Mike Takats as the lighting designer.

Events Calendar - November

trevor.kenney — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:12:30 +0000

Pronghorn Athletics

Men's Hockey

Nov. 13-14 | Alberta vs. Pronghorns
7 p.m. nightly, Nicholas Sheran Arena

Nov. 27-28 | Alberta vs. Pronghorns
7 p.m. nightly, Nicholas Sheran Arena

Women's Hockey

Nov. 20-21 | Manitoba vs. Pronghorns
7 p.m. nightly, Nicholas Sheran Arena

Basketball

Nov. 6-7 | Regina vs. Pronghorns
Women's game, 6 p.m.; Men's game, 8 p.m. nightly, 1st Choice Savings Centre gym

Nov. 13 | Trinity Western vs. Pronghorns
Women's game, 6 p.m.; Men's game, 8 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre gym
Nov. 14 | Fraser Valley vs. Pronghorns
Women's game, 6 p.m.; Men's game, 8 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre gym

Nov. 20-21 | Manitoba vs. Pronghorns
Women's game, 6 p.m.; Men's game, 8 p.m. nightly, 1st Choice Savings Centre gym

Lectures

Nov. 4 | Art Now: Vancouver artist Isobelle Pauwels | Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 5 | What I've Learned about being Human from Studying . . .
Lecture Series | Organizations: How Collectives Shape Who We Are and What We Do | Dr. Janelle Enns Gordon, Management, U of L
7 p.m., Lethbridge Public Library

Nov. 6 | Art Now: Dana Claxton
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 9 | Art Now: Cameron Bailey
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 9 | Architecture & Design Now: Toronto architect Stephen Teeple
6 p.m., C610

Nov. 12 | What I've Learned about being Human from Studying . . . Lecture Series | Canadian and Northwest Coast Native Art: Sometimes It's Necessary to Trespass Borders | Dr. Les Dawn, Art, U of L
7 p.m., Lethbridge Public Library

Nov. 16 | Architecture & Design Now: Toronto architect Ian MacDonald | 6 p.m., C610

Nov. 17 | Women Scholars Speaker Series – Deborah MacLatchy
From Lab Coat to Business Suit: Perspectives on Science and Academic Administration
12 noon to 2 p.m., AH100

Nov. 18 | Aboriginal Speakers Forum – Sharon Goulet | The Power of Stories in Aboriginal Research
9:30 to 11 a.m., B716

Nov. 18 | Art Now: Tor Lukasik-Foss
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 20 | Art Now: Tricia Middleton
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 23 | Art Now: Kathryn Walter
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 23 | Architecture & Design Now: Kathryn Walter
6 p.m., C610

Nov. 25 | Art Now: Rebecca Miller
Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 27 | Art Now: Montreal painter Etienne Zack | Noon, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 30 | Architecture & Design Now: Esther Shipman
6 p.m., C610

Performances

Nov. 5-7 | Positive Space by Ian McFarlane | A unique performance exploring various aspects of theatre
8 p.m. nightly, David Spinks Theatre. Matinee, 2 p.m., Nov. 7

Nov. 7 | Dale Ketcheson & Friends
Classical guitar from U of L music professor Dale Ketcheson
8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall

Nov. 10 | Music at Noon: Gerard Gibb (oboe), Sarah Gieck (flute), Margaret Mezei (clarinet), Glen Montgomery (piano) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 17 | Music at Noon: Musaeus String Quartet with Jesse Plessis (piano) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 23 | Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra | With special guests and U of L music majors Matthew Blackburn (piano) and arranger Jesse Plessis | 8 p.m., Southminster Church

Nov. 24 | Music at Noon: Arthur Rowe (piano) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Nov. 24-28 | Festen by David Eldridge | A time of celebration is undermined by revelations that pierce and destroy the veneer of middle-class respectability
Nightly, 8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

Nov. 27 | Wind and Song
Featuring U of L Wind Orchestra and Vox Musica | 8 p.m., Southminster Church

Nov. 28 | Season of Joy
With the U of L Singers and Women's Chorus | 8 p.m., Southminster Church

Dec. 1 | Music at Noon: Dr. Brian Shaw (trumpet) | 12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Miscellaneous

Nov. 3 | Keys to Living Well – Student Workshop | The Road to Happiness – how to buffer yourself against stress and depression | 12:30 to 1:20 p.m., AH119

Nov. 6 to Jan. 8, 2010 | To Mark on Surface | Dana Claxton new video installation | U of L Main Gallery
Opening reception, 4 p.m., Nov. 6

Nov. 12 to 14 | Darwin Symposium
International Symposium on Darwinism

Nov. 17-21 | The Monotheatrum
Hamilton artist Tor Lukasik-Foss creates a performance space for a single musician | U of L Atrium

Nov. 21 | Culture Vulture Saturday
Luck of the Draw – Colour by Numbers | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., U of L Main Gallery

Through Jan. 3, 2010 | art + people = x continues | Darcy Logan presents recent paintings | Helen Christou Gallery | Opening Reception, 4 p.m., Nov. 6

Season tickets available

trevor.kenney — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:33:43 +0000

Want to save money and enjoy excellent theatre productions? Consider getting a season ticket for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Mainstage Theatre Season.

Season tickets are available at the U of L Box Office beginning Sept. 14 (12:30 to 4:30 p.m.) and save ticket holders 25 per cent off the individual ticket price.

This year's Mainstage offerings are Hay Fever by Noel Coward (Oct. 20 to 24), Festen by David Eldridge (Nov. 24 to 28), Hair by Gerome Ragni and James Rado, music by Galt McDermot (Feb. 9 to 13, 2010), and Life is a Dream by Pedro Calderon de la Barca (Mar. 23 to 27, 2010).

Purchase your choice of seats for three shows, and enjoy the fourth show free by getting your season ticket now. Regular season tickets are $45 and student/senior season tickets are $30. Call the Box Office at 403-329-2616.

New theatre lineup another winner

trevor.kenney — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:00:51 +0000

The 2009-2010 theatre season, as presented by the Department of Theatre and Dramatic Arts, promises to be another entertaining and highly varied lineup.

The season opens on a witty and sophisticated note with Noel Coward's Hay Fever, Oct. 20-24. Hay Fever is a comedy about a family whose theatrical excesses torment their unsuspecting visitors. The eccentric Blisses, including Judith, a recently "retired" stage actress, David, a self-absorbed novelist, and their two children, live in a world where reality slides easily into fiction. A group of unfortunate weekend guests – a proper diplomat, shy flapper, athletic boxer and fashionable sophisticate – are thrown into melodramatic scenes where their hosts react to situations that don't exist! The resulting hilarious chaos ends only when the tortured visitors tip-toe out the door.

Next on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre stage is the dark, turbulent and stark Festen, by David Eldridge, Nov. 24-28. Helge is turning 60 and it should be a time of celebration and a time for the family to gather and smooth over the cracks left by the suicide of Linda, the twin sister to Christian. As Helge's eldest son, Christian raises the first toast. Confined within the family house, guests are rocked by revelations that pierce and destroy the veneer of middle-class respectability.

Seating for Festen is limited and the play has very mature content, with material unsuitable for those under 18.

The cultural phenomenon Hair, by Gerome Ragni and James Rado, with music by Galt McDermot, explodes onto the stage from Feb. 9-13, including an unusual midnight performance on Feb. 12. Set in New York City of the 1960s, a tribe of long-haired hippies celebrates its pacifist bohemian lifestyle, vehemently condemning the Vietnam War and embracing the sexual revolution. Through dance and song, Hair exposes the passionate fervor of a contentious era. Colourful and unforgettable, this rock musical has defined a generation.

The season ends in March with a 400-year old masterful classic entitled Life is a Dream, by Pedro Calderon de la Barca, which was adapted by Adrian Mitchell and John Barton. Written by a prominent playwright of Spain's Golden Age, it is the story of a king who, on the advice of an astrologer, imprisons his infant son for fear the boy will grow up to rebel against him. When, at age 20, the young man awakens from a drug-induced sleep to find himself on the throne, he behaves rather badly and is returned to prison. His excursion to the palace is said to be merely a dream, but citizens take up his cause and stage a rebellion in support of his becoming their king once and for all.

Set in a fictional Poland, Calderón's play explores illusion and reality, fate and free will, tyranny and kindness. Sometimes violent and dramatic, sometimes thoughtful and even comic, this classic has entertained audiences for nearly 400 years.

Watch for season ticket specials coming in September.

UNews - David Eldridge

Festen offers dark perspective

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Festen offers dark perspective

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Events Calendar - November

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Season tickets available

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New theatre lineup another winner

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