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Faculty Artists & Friends Series a real treat

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 16:25:09 +0000

With concerts that range from a spellbinding performance of Russian post-Romantic music to an internationally renowned violist and contemporary chamber music performed by Montreal’s In Extensio, the Faculty Artists and Friends Series provides one of the most diverse music series in the city.

“We are featuring a nice mix of faculty performers and guest artists, including a number of exciting collaborations,” says Dr. Paul Sanden, organizing committee member. “For instance, long-time Lethbridge musician and faculty member, Dale Ketcheson, is presenting an evening of music featuring several of his musical friends and collaborators from the community on Oct. 19. On Dec. 6, music department Chair Dr. Deanna Oye performs with 2013 U of L honourary degree recipient and violist, Rivka Golani, in a special fundraising concert in support of student scholarships."

Taken as a whole, the Faculty Artists and Friends Series offers audiences an incredibly diverse range of musical experiences this year.

“One of the greatest strengths of this series is that it brings to Lethbridge a musical diversity hard to find elsewhere. While each concert is incredibly rewarding in and of itself, the entire series of five concerts offers listeners an even richer and deeper musical experience,” says Sanden.

Tickets for Faculty Artists and Friends Series concerts are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office.

Concert Series

Oct 19: Dale Ketcheson & Friends

Dec. 6: Rivka Golani Scholarship Concert

Feb. 15: Peter Visentin & Friends: From Russia with Love and Despair

March 8: In Extensio: Wings, Spaces & Cadenzas

Humour is no accident with this group

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 16:21:08 +0000

Faculty of Fine Arts graduates are putting their education to work and bringing to campus a night of hilarious, mind-bending entertainment with an edgy and creative production of Happy Whackin’ Jim McCrackin by Amos Altman, presented by the Accidental Humour Co.

At the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre from Sept. 12-14 at 8 p.m. nightly, poor Jim McCrackin’s tale of mistaken identity and mess of personal attachments sends him into a whirlwind of problems.

The Accidental Humour Co. hits campus Sept. 12-14 with Happy Whackin’ Jim McCracken.

Accidental Humour Co. is a collective of artists, actors, writers, designers and dreamers. Together, they create hilarious, exciting and innovative theatre productions, which blend live-action antics with high-octane video projection. This year’s production is touring Calgary, Stettler, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge.

The core members of Accidental Humour Co., all of whom have earned a BFA Dramatic Arts at the U of L, are: Kimberlee Stadelmann (’06), William Banfield (’06), Cliff Kelly (’07), Brent Felzien (’06), and Neil LeGrandeur (’06). Fellow Alumnus Amos Altman (BA ’04, BFA ’05) wrote the play.

The company prides itself on creating completely original productions that blend live theatre and films together, which often parody different film genres.

“This year, we decided to remount our second production, Happy Whackin’ Jim McCrackin, for two major reasons,” says Stadelmann, stage manager and costume designer. “First, it is our only production that only toured two cities during its first run, and secondly, the company is already hard at work on a sequel for Jim McCrackin’ for 2014.”

Happy Whackin’ Jim McCrackin played to sold-out houses at the Edmonton Fringe Festival and received a five-star rating in a review by Jen Hoyer of See Magazine.

Tickets are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office, and are priced at $15 regular admission, $12 students. Tickets are also available online: uleth.ca/tickets.

Disaster, chaos and discovery

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 16:16:30 +0000

Virus plagues city, thousands quarantined, food shortages expected . . . When disaster strikes and chaos spreads, the lines of society may be redrawn, flipped upside down, or erased all together. Down From Heaven by Colleen Wagner explores the power struggles and relationships that either grow or break when the world changes for the worse.

The first production in this year’s TheatreXtra’s season, Down From Heaven plays Sept. 26-28 at 8 p.m. nightly, with a 2 p.m. matinée on Sept. 28 in the David Spinks Theatre. This deeply introspective drama is sure to provoke and entice audiences.

Down From Heaven plays Sept. 26-28 in the David Spinks Theatre.

Directed by third-year BFA Dramatic arts major Erinn Watson, this is a play she envisioned being a part of since reading it during her course work.

“There’s a moment in the script where two characters are talking to each other through a metal grate, and I could see it so clearly, I knew I wanted to direct it and so proposed it for TheatreXtra’s season,” says Watson.

Inspired by the SARS outbreak in 2003, Canadian playwright Colleen Wagner’s play revolves around a small fictional family, trapped in its basement due to an international virus outbreak.

Without access to information or food, beyond what their gardener-turned-secret policeman is willing to provide them, the family struggles to survive. The play has mature content.

“The events that occur in the play could happen tomorrow, next week or a year from now,” muses Watson. “Disaster will strike someday and this play strikes at what I think a lot of us fear greatly: having no control over our own situation, and being forced to rely on someone we are not sure we can trust.”

Tickets for TheatreXtra’s first production of the season are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office (open Monday to Friday 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., or by calling 403-329-2616).

Individual tickets are priced at $12 regular admission, $10 seniors/alumni and $8 students.

Estuary features big set, big issues

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 22:05:20 +0000

An estuary is a body of water where a river's current meets and mixes with the sea. For acclaimed playwright and drama professor, Ron Chambers, his latest work, Estuary, features a troupe of colourful characters' lives that mixes, turns upside down and ultimately joins beneath the roof of a fantastic frat house. Playing Mar. 19-23 at 8 p.m. nightly on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre stage, Estuary bends the rules of reality and captures the imaginations of its audiences.

Within the walls of an old Victorian house, a series of individual stories stretch the boundaries between reality and the dream world.

"This play is about defining reality," says Chambers. "The characters interact in a setting where there is no fixed reality, where there are questions about what is real or what is imaginary."

Set designer and U of L alumnus Roger Schultz (BFA '89) created an immense set to capture the essence of the play's themes.

"Estuary deals with a big idea, and the size of the set supports that," says Schultz.

Estuary plays Mar. 19-23 in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre.

A fully-fashioned two-story Victorian house has been constructed for the production where the complex relationships of the characters play out.

"I took my cues from the premise of the script, blending reality and dreams, containing elements that are fragmented or odd," he says.

For 20 years, Chambers has taught playwriting in the Department of Theatre and Dramatic Arts. Seven of his plays have been professionally produced across Canada, the United States and in Hong Kong. He has won the Alberta Culture Playwriting Award, the Gwen Pharis Ringwood Award (Writer's Guild of Alberta) and has been nominated for both the Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award and Betty Mitchell Award for best new play.

As both playwright and director for Estuary, Chambers has appreciated the flexibilities of bringing the script to life onstage.

"I wrote Estuary as a big play, with a big cast and a big set," explains Chambers. "Often, the plays I write must be restricted to a limited cast size and to accommodate small sets, but this play is an exception. I also wrote this for students, to allow them to be themselves and play characters that are their ages, dealing with subject matter relevant to their own lives."

Tickets for this final production of the Mainstage Theatre season are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office (Monday through Friday, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., or by calling 403-329-2616). Individual tickets are priced at $15 regular, $10 seniors and students. Regular tickets are also available online, www.uleth.ca/tickets.

World War I drama caps TheatreXtra season

trevor.kenney — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:09:45 +0000

Ethereal, mysterious and poignant, award winning Alberta playwright, Stephen Massicotte's World War I drama, Mary's Wedding, materializes in the David Spinks Theatre Feb. 28 to Mar. 2 at 8 p.m. nightly.

TheatreXtra's final production of the 2013-2014 season tells a sensitive and beautiful story of love and loss during a precarious time in history.

"The play is about Mary and Charlie, and their struggles of love during war, but it all takes place in Mary's dream. I know that audiences will be surprised with how emotional it is," says director Taylor Fornwald (third-year, drama/education major).

Although there are only two actors in the play, putting together a production that transcends reality is a challenge, and one Fornwald is excited to tackle.

"Above all else, this is a love story and its theme is something everyone can connect with," he says.

Tickets are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office. Individual tickets are priced at $11 regular, $7 seniors/students.

Bringing alive the world of Fantastica

trevor.kenney — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 21:33:02 +0000

The world of Fantastica is doomed and on the brink of being enveloped by the Nothingness! Atreyu, a young hero in Fantastica, and Bastien, a boy in the real world, must stop the darkness from taking hold by saving the Childlike Empress.

The adventures of these boys and a company of wondrous characters play out on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre stage, Feb. 12-16 at 7 p.m. nightly. The Neverending Story by Michael Ende and adapted by David. S. Craig is perfect for anyone who has read a book so good they did not want it to end.

Director Andrew Legg mimics the emotion of one of the many puppet figures that will be used in the stage production.

Creating the magical world of Fantastica for the stage is no small task. From the creepy crawly characters in the form of imaginative puppets, to a set that transforms between Fantastica and the real world, audiences of all ages are in for a spellbinding experience.

Set Designer, Vicki Moser (BA '12) explains the delicate balance of creating a set that easily shifts between the real world and Fantastica.

"Part of the director's concept is to have everything in the imaginary world of Fantastica linked to something we have seen in the real world that Bastian inhabits," she says. "Our set incorporates pieces we have in the real world that transform into something else in Fantastica – everything shifts and morphs and moves, literally, as Bastian's imagination comes to life on stage."

Director Andrew Legg (MFA candidate) chose to direct The Neverending Story as part of the requirements for his MFA degree because the movie had such an impact on him as a child.

"It's a story for all ages, because I think we all identify and cheer for the underdog. I remember watching the film and immediately connecting with both Atreyu and Bastien," says Legg. "The Neverending Story is a great hero's adventure, with wonderfully fantastic characters. I'm thrilled to see it all come to life on stage."

Recommended for ages 10 and up, tickets for The Neverending Story are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office, Monday through Friday, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., or by calling 403-329-2616. Individual tickets are priced at $15 regular, $10 seniors/students and children. Regular tickets are also available online at www.uleth.ca/tickets.

This story first appeared in the February 2013 edition of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Fine Arts tickets a holiday draw

trevor.kenney — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 19:10:52 +0000

Gift-wrap the performing arts and put them under the tree for someone you love this holiday season! Tickets to Fine Arts events make a fantastic holiday gift for the theatre or concertgoer on your list.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office closes for Christmas on Dec. 14 and reopens on Jan. 7. Tickets are also available online at uleth.ca/tickets.

Here's a look at some of the upcoming performances.

TheatreXtra (Tickets: $11 regular, $7 student/senior)
The Love List by Norm Foster
January 24-26, 2013 (8 p.m. nightly, 2 p.m. matinee on Jan. 26, David Spinks Theatre)

What would happen if you got the chance to order your dream date?

In this hilarious comedy we are introduced to the characters of Bill and Leon who compile the love list – the top 10 qualities they want in a woman. However chaos ensues as this "perfect woman" comes knocking on the door and the gentlemen learn to be careful what you wish for.

Drama Mainstage (Tickets: $15 adults, $10 student/senior)
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende (Adapted by David S. Craig)
Feb. 12-16, 2013 (7 p.m. nightly, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre)

A boy must save the world of Fantastica using the power of his imagination. This play is for anyone who has ever read a book that was so good they did not want it to end.

Estuary by Ron Chambers
Mar. 19-23, 2013 (8 p.m. nightly, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre)

As a young man's dreams begin to infiltrate his waking life, he's forced to determine what's real and what isn't. This comedy asks whether, in snubbing our dream life, we are ignoring a significant and real aspect of our humanity.

Faculty Artist and Friends Series (Tickets: $20 adults, $15 student/senior)
Celebrate Poulenc
Jan. 25, 2013 (8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall)

In honour of the 50th anniversary of the death of Francis Poulenc, a leading figure in the Parisian musical life of the early 20th century.

Quasar Saxophone Quartet
March 9, 2013 (8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall)

The confluence of acoustic and electronic music, Montreal's Quasar explores aspects of artistic creation from instrumental to live electronics, from improvisation to instrumental theatre.

For a complete listing of events, pick up a copy of the Faculty of Fine Arts' Season at a Glance, or go to www.uleth.ca/finearts for more information on all these fantastic shows, gallery exhibits and concerts.

Family dysfunction hits a whole new level

trevor.kenney — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 19:00:22 +0000

A chill is in the air!

King Henry II and his family congregate for an even chillier Christmas celebration in James Goldman's The Lion in Winter, playing Nov. 20-24, 8 p.m. nightly on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre stage.

Set in the stark hollows of Castle Chinon in 1183, the dramatic tensions between members of King Henry II's family take centre stage in this historic play. The company includes Henry's quarreling and conniving sons, intent to claim the throne; his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, allowed a reprieve from her 10-year imprisonment to join the festivities; and Henry's young mistress, Alias, who is also betrothed to his son Richard.

As the party commences, the scandals of this dysfunctional dynasty explode, revealing shocking truths of betrayal, deceit and treachery.

And you thought your family had interesting Christmas get-togethers.

"This is a very complex script that explores the dynamics and dysfunction of families throughout history," says guest director Philip Adams. "It's about power and land and the successors to that land. We, the audience, can marvel at the dexterity of the noble family."

"Despite the lies and treachery of this dysfunctional family, there is still humour," Adams adds. "Families are funny and this script exposes that humour in very clever ways."

With a grand set, designed by Jim Wills, and period costumes designed by Leslie Robison-Greene, the production transports audiences to a medieval era of stone, wood, leather and furs.

"The production is very well crafted, and it's been a pleasure to be a part of this collaborative project," says Adams, who won Saskatoon's Best Director Award in 2012.

A bit of a nomad, he has served as the artistic director of Nakai Theatre in the Yukon and Mulgrave Road Theatre in Nova Scotia, and also directed productions across the country.

Tickets for The Lion in Winter are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office (403-329-2616), Monday through Friday 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $15 regular, $10 seniors/students. Regular tickets are also available online, www.uleth.ca/tickets.

This story first appeared in the November 2012 issue of the Legend. To view the full issue online, follow this link.

Student play debuting

trevor.kenney — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:33:11 +0000

TheatreXtra debuts the award winning play 1000 Names, by U of L student and playwright, Chelsea Woolley (BA/BEd student), Nov. 1-3 in the David Spinks Theatre.

A mystery that spans both place and time, 1000 Names is set in Poland during World War II.

"To say this is a World War II play, isn't exactly accurate," says director, Hannah Rud (BFA/BEd student). "It's set during that time and certainly the war impacts the story, but it's about so much more than that."

Two tales unravel in two different times, but occur in the same room of the same house. As the story unfolds, discoveries are made that reveal the fate of the previous owners of the home.

"I was drawn to the play because of the characters," says Rud. "It features a cast of five actors including three very strong female characters. I'm excited to see what our cast comes up with as they interpret their roles."

"Woolley spent almost two years of research while writing 1000 Names. It took the second place prize in the 2012 U of L Play Right Prize competition, supported by U of L alumnus Terry Whitehead.

Shows for 1000 Names are at 8 p.m. nightly with a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 3.

Tickets are priced at $11 regular, $7 seniors/students and can be purchased at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office.

Rubbing Stone Ensemble to perform on campus

trevor.kenney — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 20:06:57 +0000

Calgary's prestigious Rubbing Stone Ensemble visits the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall Oct. 19 for an 8 p.m. performance of selections from their soon-to-be-released and tentatively titled album, Rubbing Stone Ensemble: The Lethbridge Sessions.

Recorded at Studio 1, in the Faculty of Fine Arts, the album features new music composed for Rubbing Stone Ensemble by seven Canadian composers, including U of L music faculty member, Dr. Arlan Schultz.

Versatile and dynamic, this resident ensemble for New Works Calgary is making a name for itself performing a wide array of new Canadian music, including pieces that incorporate electronics.

Studio 1 has hosted a number of talented musicians since opening in the Faculty of Fine Arts.

Ensemble members include Jeremy Brown (saxophone), Gianetta Baril (harp), Donovan Seidle (violin) and Eric Bumstead (percussion). Special guest performers joining Rubbing Stone for the Oct. 19 concert include music faculty, Dr. Deanna Oye (piano) and Martha Renner (soprano).

Schultz, whose work Ikos is on the evening's program and on the CD, is proud of the upcoming album and thrilled the ensemble is giving Lethbridge audiences a preview.

"The album is set to be released on CD worldwide and for download on iTunes in the spring of 2013. The concert features stunning new works by Laurie Radford, David Eagle, Nova Pon, Alain Perron, and Anthony Tan," he says.

The concert features the acoustic ensemble seamlessly blended with surround computer facilitated audio.

Tickets, priced at $15 regular, $10 seniors/students, are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office or online at www.uleth.ca/tickets

This story first appeared in the October 2012 issue of the Legend. To see the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

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