“SHAKESPEARE FORUM”
EXPLORES BARD ON THE BEACH 2007 PLAYS
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival presents its annual SHAKESPEARE FORUM on Monday, July 9 at 7:00 pm in Bard’s Mainstage tent in Vanier Park. Entitled SHATTERED ILLUSIONS, NEW PERSPECTIVES, this year’s Forum explores a common thread in the 2007 plays: each has a character who casts aside preconceived notions to gain a more realistic understanding of the world. SFU professor Dr. Paul Budra will be joined by Bard Artistic Director Christopher Gaze, Education Consultant Mary Hartman, and Bard Director and Artistic Associate Dean Paul Gibson for a discussion of how Shakespeare’s characters, and his audiences, have their illusions shattered and replaced with new perspectives.
As Dr. Budra explains, “One of Shakespeare’s favorite devices is to have his characters enter with certain expectations and then have to find a new, unexpected way forward. It is this progress of the character through the narrative that makes the stories so compelling.” In Romeo and Juliet, Romeo’s naïve view of love dissolves when he meets Juliet, while in The Taming of the Shrew Kate abandons her selfish antagonism for the more imaginative, nuanced world of loving relationships. In Julius Caesar Brutus’ idealism about the Roman Republic leaves him an easy target for political opportunists; in Timon of Athens the rich philanthropist’s faith in friendship is shattered once his wealth is gone.
Forum tickets are $5 and are available at the door, by phone at 604-739-0559, or on-line at www.bardonthebeach.org.
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“TIMON OF ATHENS” JOINS STUDIO STAGE AT BARD ON THE BEACH
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival’s fourth and final play for of the 2007 season begins on July 11 with the rarely-staged tragedy Timon of Athens. James Fagan Tait, in partnership with composer Joelysa Pankanea, makes his directorial Bard debut with his innovative, contemporary staging of Timon of Athens. It runs Tuesdays through Sundays in the intimate 240-seat Studio tent in Vanier Park until September 20, playing in repertory with Julius Caesar. The Taming of the Shrew and Romeo and Juliet continue on the Mainstage to Sept. 23.
Timon (David Mackay), a wealthy Athenian, is lavishing gifts and gold on the city’s rich and powerful, who he considers his friends. He is beset with flatterers requesting favours, including a poet (Jennifer Lines), a painter (Josue Laboucane), a jeweler (Craig Erickson) and an Old Athenian (Allan Morgan). Only the cynical Apemantus (Allan Zinyk) refuses to accept any gifts. At a banquet for his friends, Timon’s faithful Steward, Flavius (Melissa Poll), reminds him that, despite her many previous warnings, his frivolous spending is sending him into debt. When Timon's creditors show up demanding immediate payment, Timon sends out his servants, Servillius (Kevin Kraussler) and Irene (Linda Quibell), to his closest friends, including Lucius (Tom Pickett), and Sempronius (Scott Bellis). He is certain they will grant his requests for help. One by one, the servants are turned down by Timon's false friends. He invites them all to one last banquet before fleeing to the wilderness to live in self-imposed exile. While digging for roots to eat, Timon discovers an underground trove of gold. When knowledge of Timon’s gold spreads, bandits (Parnelli Parnes, Scott Bellis and Craig Erickson) arrive to rob him and his former flatterers again seek him out. However, bitter Timon offers most of the gold to the rebel captain Alcibiades (Gerry Mackay) to subsidize an assault on the city.
Director James Fagan Tait and composer Joelysa Pankanea have adapted Timon of Athens into a Beckett-inspired, ensemble production with all original music and movement. It is set it in 2007 Greece drawing parallels between Timon and today’s rich philanthropists. Mara Gottler’s simple, contemporary costumes offer references to the Mediterranean heat. Set designer David Roberts’ corridor stage provides a sparse playing area for this minimalist production in which simple but striking staging elements are highlighted by Lighting Designer John Webber’s dramatic lighting. Conflicts are staged by Fight Director Nicholas Harrison. Mark Haney joins Joelysa Pankanea on stage to provide live music and sound effects. Rachel Peake is Assistant to the Director while Stage Manager Joanne P.B. Smith is assisted by Samara Van Nostrand (Assistant Stage Manager) and Noa Anatot (Apprentice Stage Manager).
Performance details for Timon of Athens are as follows:
* Previews: July 11 and 12; Opens: July 13.
* Runs Tuesdays through Sundays from July 11 to September 20 – Studio Stage tent in Vanier Park.
* Plays in repertory with Julius Caesar which begins June 28.
* Shakespeare Forum: July 9 – Shattered Illusions, New Perspectives, led by SFU’s Paul Budra
* Celebrating Red & White: August 18 – wine event between shows.
Tickets are $31 (evenings); $20 to $26.50 (previews/matinees). Order on-site, by phone at 604-739-0559, or on-line at www.bardonthebeach.org. Season Sponsor is Starbucks; Production Sponsor for Timon of Athens is RE/MAX.
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BARD ON THE BEACH & STARBUCKS
SPOTLIGHT THE FEUD BETWEEN
TWO STREET-CROSSED COFFEE HOUSES
Two households both alike in dignity
In fair Robson Street, where we lay our scene
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny …
VANCOUVER, B.C..... On Thursday, June 21 between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival and Starbucks invite Shakespeare and coffee lovers to help resolve an ongoing feud between the two Starbucks Coffee Houses at Robson and Thurlow. The event will also celebrate Bard’s current staging of Shakespeare’s famous tale of feuding families and star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet.
Christopher Gaze, Artistic Director, and members of the Bard team will be on hand to enlist the participation of Starbucks patrons. They will be invited to join in the fray by:
· shouting Shakespearean insults across Robson to the opposing Starbucks
· writing sonnets or poems that express their passion for Starbucks coffee
· testing their acting skill by ‘performing’ excerpts Romeo and Juliet.
· entering to win tickets to Bard on the Beach’s staging of Romeo and Juliet.
Highlights of the activities will include:
· guest appearances by members of Bard’s Young Shakespearean’s acting school.
· fight demonstration by members of the Bard acting company – time 1:00.
· arrival of Romeo and Juliet in a Land Rover and Jaguar at approximately 1:30.
· symbolic resolution of the conflict by the two Starbucks managers at 1:45.
· draw for grand prize contest winner at 1:55.
Starbucks is the Season Sponsor for Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival and Jaguar / Land Rover are the Production Sponsor for Romeo and Juliet. Bard on the Beach is a not-for-profit, professional theatre company with a mandate to present affordable and accessible Shakespeare productions of the highest quality. Bard’s 18th season is currently underway under the red and white tents in Vanier Park. On stage to September 23 are the boisterous romantic comedy The Taming of the Shrew, the passionate tragedy Romeo and Juliet, the power historical drama Julius Caesar, and the rarely-seen morality play Timon of Athens.
Information on the 2007 Festival can be found on the Bard website at www.bardonthebeach.org or through the Bard Box Office at 604-739-0559.
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“JULIUS CAESAR” OPENS STUDIO STAGE AT BARD ON THE BEACH
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival begins its Douglas Campbell Studio Stage programming on June 28 with the famous political drama Julius Caesar. Staged for the first time at Bard, Julius Caesar is directed by Touchstone Theatre’s Artistic Director, Katrina Dunn. It runs Tuesdays through Sundays in the intimate 240-seat Studio tent in Vanier Park until September 21. The Taming of the Shrew and Romeo and Juliet continue at the same time on the Mainstage.
The most popular Roman play in the canon, Julius Caesar examines the human passions behind a great moment in history. Victorious in battle, Julius Caesar (Allan Morgan) is about to be crowned Emperor. However Gaius Cassius (Gerry Mackay) believes he has become too powerful. He convinces Caesar’s friend Marcus Brutus (Scott Bellis) and other senators - Cinna (Allan Zinyk), Caius Ligarius (Tom Pickett), Decius Brutus (Linda Quibell), and Casca (David Mackay) - to assassinate him. On the Ides of March, Caesar ignores an earlier warning by a Soothsayer and a premonition by his wife Calpurnia (Melissa Poll) and proceeds to the Capitol. Brutus’ wife Portia (Jennifer Lines) worries helplessly at home while the conspirators stab Caesar in the Senate. Brutus at first convinces the citizens that their actions were for the greater good of Rome. However, Caesar’s loyal follower Mark Antony (Craig Erickson) stirs up the crowd and turns public opinion against the assassins. Now at war, the armies of Mark Antony and Caesar’s grandnephew Octavius (Parnelli Parnes) face those of Brutus and Cassius. As they await the start of battle with their servants (Josue Laboucane and Kevin Kraussler), the future of Rome hangs in the balance.
Director Katrina Dunn’s production takes inspiration from the Italian Renaissance world of Galileo, where powerful shifts in thought fuel the moral dilemmas of the characters. Mara Gottler’s costumes create a unique world that blends Renaissance lines with classic overlays and contemporary abstractions. With more than 50 characters, rich colour themes help identify the different camps. Set designer David Roberts has incorporated allusions to both the Italian Renaissance and the classical eras in his simple set, which features a new “corridor” seating configuration placing the audience on either side of the performance platform. An arched lighting grind frames the stage allowing Lighting Designer John Webber to spotlight the action even during daylight performances. Sound Designer Stephan Bulat has created a contemporary underscore performed with Renaissance instrumentation, while Fight Director Nicholas Harrison brings masterful precision to the several epic battles. Stage Manager Joanne P.B. Smith is assisted by Samara van Nostrand (Assistant Stage Manager) and Noa Anatot (Apprentice Stage Manager).
Performance details for Julius Caesar are as follows:
* Previews: June 28, 29, 30 and July 3; Opens: July 4.
* Runs Tuesdays through Sundays from June 28 to September 21 – Studio Stage tent in Vanier Park.
* Plays in repertory with Timon of Athens which begins July 11.
* Shakespeare Forum: July 9 – Shattered Illusions, New Perspectives, led by SFU’s Paul Budra.
* Bard-B-Q & Fireworks evenings: July 25, 28, August 1, 4 at 6:00 pm.
* Celebrating Red & White – wine event between shows on August 18.
Tickets are $31 (evenings); $20 to $26.50 (previews/matinees). Order on-site, by phone at 604-739-0559, or on-line at www.bardonthebeach.org. Season Sponsor is Starbucks; Production Sponsor for Julius Caesar is Weyerhaeuser.
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“ROMEO AND JULIET” JOINS MAINSTAGE AT BARD ON THE BEACH
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival continues its 18th season with the romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet. It plays in repertory with The Taming of the Shrew Tuesdays through Sundays in the 520-seat open-ended Mainstage tent in Vanier Park from June 13 through September 22. Dean Paul Gibson returns to Bard for his 7th season as director following last summer’s sold-out staging of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Shakespeare’s famous tale of star-crossed lovers is unquestionably the world’s best-known love story and most sensuous romantic tragedy. As the Montagues and the Capulets perpetuate a relentless feud, Escalus (Ian Butcher), Prince of Verona, has called for peace. While attending a Capulet party with Mercutio (Bob Frazer) and Benvolio (Daryl King), young Romeo (Kyle Rideout) and Juliet (Taylor Trowbridge) meet and fall in love. With the help of Juliet’s Nurse (Lois Anderson) and Romeo's confidant Friar Laurence (David Marr), the couple secretly marries. However, a confrontation between Juliet’s cousin Tybalt (Michael Scholar, Jr.) and Romeo’s friend Mercutio breaks out and, when Romeo intervenes, Mercutio is killed. In anger Romeo mortally stabs Tybalt and is forced to flee to the distress of his parents, Montague (Derek Metz) and Lady Montague (Naomi Wright). Juliet, who is under pressure from her parents, Capulet (Duncan Fraser) and Lady Capulet (Colleen Wheeler) to marry the stately Paris (Haig Sutherland), agrees to feign her death by drinking a potion provided by an Apothecary (Christopher Weddell). Servants (Charles Christien Gallant and Ashley Liu) assist the lovers and help deliver secret messages. Ultimately, fate becomes the arbitrator of the couple’s future as well as the impetus for reconciliation between the hostile families.
A marriage of movement and words, Dean Paul Gibson’s vision of Romeo and Juliet is a simple, contemporary staging that incorporates classic contrasts and juxtaposes new love with historical violence. Noam Gagnon choreographs movement and dance into this sensual production. Staged on Set Designer Kevin McAllister’s neo-classical set, the evocative mood of Romeo and Juliet is enhanced through a spare and haunting soundscape from Sound Designers Meg Roe and Alessandro Juliani, and romantic lighting by Gerald King. Using ballet-like silhouettes, Mara Gottler’s costumes are a modern blend of classic lines, creating a gentle allusion to the doublets, tights and fairy-tale garments of days gone by. Nicholas Harrison stages the fights between the feuding families. Production Stage Manager Stephen Courtenay is assisted by Kelly Barker (Assistant Stage Manager) and Sarah Pearson (Apprentice Stage Manager). [Note: may contain partial nudity.]
Performance details for Romeo and Juliet are as follows:
* Previews: June 13, 14, 15; Opens: June 16
* Runs Tuesdays through Sundays from June 13 to September 22 – Mainstage tent in Vanier Park.
* Plays in repertory with The Taming of the Shrew.
* Forum: Shattering Illusions, New Perspective – Monday, July 9, 7 pm; led by SFU’s Paul Budra
* Celebrating Red & White wine event – wine event between shows on August 18.
Tickets are $31 (evenings); $20 to $26.50 (previews/matinees). Order on-site, by phone at 604-739-0559, or on-line at www.bardonthebeach.org. Season Sponsor is Starbucks and Production Sponsors for Romeo and Juliet are Jaguar/Land Rover.
*****
“THE TAMING OF THE SHREW” OPENS 2007 SEASON AT BARD ON THE BEACH
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival opens its 18h season with the boisterous romantic comedy The Taming of the Shrew. It plays Tuesdays through Sundays in the 520-seat open-ended Mainstage tent in Vanier Park from May 31 through September 23, 2007. Miles Potter, one of Canada’s most respected directors, returns to Bard from Toronto after a five year hiatus during which time he directed and performed with the Stratford Festival.
The Taming of the Shrew is a fast-paced and hilarious love story. Miles Potter places this merry battle of the sexes in the unruly American Wild West, adopting the style of the spaghetti western. It is a setting where he feels the play’s domestic politics will make sense to today’s audience. The action takes place in Padua City and on Petruchio's ranch. Just as the 1880s saw American frontiersmen struggling to tame the Wild West, Petruchio struggles to ‘tame’ Katharina. In this world of Macho men and strong-minded women, it's high noon for Kate and Petruchio.
Beautiful Bianca (Naomi Wright) has many suitors, but her father Baptista (Duncan Fraser) says she cannot marry until her ill-tempered sister Katharina (Colleen Wheeler) finds a husband. Along comes Petruchio (Bob Frazer) who, determined “to wive it wealthily in Padua,” cleverly obtains the hand of feisty Kate who has frightened off all previous candidates. He then sets out to tame his new bride with the help of his sidekick Grumio (Derek Metz). While Kate and Petruchio engage in a lively battle of wits, three hopeful suitors vie for Bianca’s affections: newcomer Lucentio (Kyle Rideout), optimistic favourite Hortensio (Haig Sutherland), and the elderly but wealthy Gremio (David Marr). While Lucentio poses as a schoolmaster, his servant Tranio (Michael Scholar, Jr.) assumes the role of his master. When surety of the promised dowry is needed, a traveller (Christopher Gaze) successfully pretends to be Lucentio’s father until the real Vincentio (Ian Butcher) arrives. Adding to the hilarity are the local tailor (Ashley Liu), the widow (Lois Anderson) and servants (Christopher Weddell, Daryl King, Charles Christien Gallant and Taylor Trowbridge).
For the Mainstage tent, set designer Kevin McAllister has created a classic Shakespearean stage with architecture that lends itself both to the Wild West streets and saloons of …Shrew, as well as to the Italian setting of the upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet. Mara Gottler’s costume designs capture the spaghetti western archetypes, highlighting the individuality of each character amongst this town’s socially and ethnically diverse motley crew. Toronto composer Marc Desormeaux’s sound design includes original music inspired by Sergio Leone’s familiar film soundtracks. Gerald King’s lighting spotlights the comedy, while Valerie Easton’s choreography and Nicolas Harrison’s fight direction bring precision to the dance segments and on-stage tussles. Stage Manager Stephen Courtenay is assisted by Kelly Barker (Assistant Stage Manager) and Marcella Hyde (Apprentice Stage Manager).
Performance details for The Taming of the Shrew are as follows:
* Previews: May 31, June 1, 2, 3, 5, 6; Opens: June 7.
* Runs Tuesdays through Sundays from May 31 to September 23 - Mainstage tent in Vanier Park.
* Plays in repertory with Romeo and Juliet which begins June 13.
* Bard-B-Q & Fireworks evenings: July 25, 28, August 1, 4 at 6:00 pm.
* Celebrating Red & White – wine event between shows on August 18.
Tickets are $31 (evenings); $20 to $26.50 (previews/matinees). Order on-site, by phone at 604-739-0559, or on-line at www.bardonthebeach.org. Season Sponsor is Starbucks; Production Sponsor for … Shrew is Vancity.
*****
BARD ON THE BEACH ANNOUNCES 2007 SEASON
Artistic Director Christopher Gaze is pleased to announce the playbill for Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival’s 18th season which runs May 31 through September 24, 2007. In the 520-seat Mainstage tent, the Festival will present Shakespeare’s hilarious battle of the sexes, The Taming of the Shrew, directed by Stratford’s Miles Potter who returns after a five year hiatus. …Shrew will play in repertory with the timeless tale of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, directed by Bard’s innovative Artistic Associate Dean Paul Gibson. In the intimate 240-seat Douglas Campbell Studio Stage tent, the passionate Roman drama Julius Caesar makes its Bard debut directed by Touchstone Theatre’s celebrated Artistic Director, Katrina Dunn. Timon of Athens rounds out the Studio programming, with one of Vancouver’s most creative new talents, James Fagan Tait, giving life to this rarely-staged tragedy.
In The Taming of the Shrew, feisty Kate and resolute Petruchio go head-to-head in a riotous battle of the sexes. Romeo and Juliet is the famous tale of two star-crossed lovers caught up in the violence of a family feud. In Julius Caesar, treachery and idealism lead to the betrayal of a great leader during a tumultuous moment in history. Timon of Athens is a morality play about a generous man who faces false friendships and the uncertainty of fortune once his money is gone.
Run dates and Special Events are as follows:
The Taming of the Shrew – May 31 to September 23, (Mainstage tent)
Romeo and Juliet – June 13 to September 22, (Mainstage tent)
Julius Caesar – June 28 to September 21, (Studio Stage tent)
Timon of Athens – July 11 to September 20, (Studio Stage tent)
Bard-B-Q & Fireworks – Play and Salmon Barbecue followed by Celebration of Light Fireworks: July 25 & 28, Aug. 1 & 4
[subject to confirmation that the Fireworks will take place; otherwise regular performances will be scheduled].
Celebrating Red & White – Play plus Wine Tasting either before or after the show: August 18
A Merry Evening of Opera – Vancouver Opera Orchestra and UBC Opera Ensemble in concert: Aug. 20 & 27, Sept. 3
Young Shakespeareans – Workshops for youth aged 8 to 18: July & August
Western Canada’s largest professional Shakespeare company, Bard on the Beach presents its festival in Kitsilano’s Vanier Park adjacent to Vancouver’s downtown core. The productions are staged in open-ended tents on the waterfront against a spectacular backdrop of mountains, sea and sky. Performances run Tuesdays through Sundays. Evening curtain is at 8:00 pm, except Sunday evenings and in September when it is 7:00 pm. Matinees are scheduled on both weekends and weekdays. Play ticket prices range from $17.00 to $31.00 including taxes. Tickets go on sale March 19.
The performance schedule and information can be found on the Bard website at www.bardonthebeach.org. For more information and Tickets, call 604-739-0559 or toll free at 877-739-0559, or order on-line through the website.
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