October 18, 2006 - 5:00pm
Mistaken identities, comic entanglements, love and unforgettable characters await theatre enthusiasts at Malaspina University-College Theatre’s fall production of Twelfth Night this November.
Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays. Identical twins Sebastian and Viola, who after a ship wreck, believe the other to be dead. Viola disguises herself as a man so she can work for Duke Orsino. The wealthy Lady Olivia falls in love with Viola, and then the fun begins.
Malaspina’s production is directed by Gerry Mackay, a director, actor, and founding member of Whirligig Theatre. As an actor, Mackay has performed at the Stratford Festival, Citadel Theatre, Bard on the Beach and in numerous film and television roles. This is the first time he’s directed a play at Malaspina.
“I liked the way Shakespeare wrote about the world and mankind and how what he says about human nature still applies today,” said Mackay, whose love for Shakespeare began in high school.
“I’ve always enjoyed the language.”
Mackay is joined by stage manager Kylan Bezaire, a second-year theatre student. As the stage manager, Bezaire sits in on the rehearsals and works with the director to ensure all the elements of the production – from lighting to the actors – is perfect.
“I really enjoy the interaction with the director and everyone in the production,” said Bezaire. “I like being at the centre of it all – everyone liaisons through the stage manager.”
Many high school students are expected to attend this season’s production, which has influenced Mackay’s take on the play.
“We want to get them hooked now because the high school students are the audiences of tomorrow,” said Mackay.
To do that Mackay has taken a more modern and “eclectic” approach to the play’s delivery, stage design and costuming.
One of Mackay’s favourite costume adaptations is for the rich Countess Olivia, who has declared she is veiling herself for seven years to mourn her brother’s recent death. Instead of using veils, Mackay and costume designer Melissa Paulger have taken the Jackie Onassis look and will be using sun glasses to make the same statement.
“Little things like the sunglasses bring the play into a modern setting,” said Mackay.
Another unique piece of the production is the stage. Because the play is a story, Mackay and Vancouver designer Janice Chiu have chosen to create a giant story book on the stage whose upright opened pages form the setting of the play.
“Twelfth Night is an extremely funny play. Gerry (Mackay) has a lot of great ideas,” said Bezaire.
“He brings a lot of experience and energy to the show that I think will make the show great.”
Twelfth Night runs November 2-4 and 9-11 at 8 p.m. and November 6-9 at noon at the Malaspina University-College Theatre, Building 310. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. For information call the Malaspina Box Office at 740-6100.
Tags: In the Community
