is “a play about coming to terms with identity, be it social, political, sexual…”
—MONTREAL GAZETTE
Hello!
Welcome back to the Belfry and the English language premiere of From Alaska by Sébastien Harrisson and translated by Leanna Brodie.
The Belfry has a long history of producing Quebecois plays in translation and sending them around the country.
Our cast for From Alaska features the amazing Brenda Robins (The Children, 4000 Miles, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike) and she is joined by Kosta Lemermeyer who is making his Belfry debut.
As always, we look forward to seeing you at the theatre.
B4 Play
Land Acknowledgement
The Belfry Theatre is on the land of the People, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. The people have been keepers of this land for millennia and we offer them our respect and gratitude for our presence on this territory.
Join Us instagram.com/belfrytheatre facebook.com/belfrytheatre vimeo.com/belfrytheatre twitter.com/belfrytheatre (In-person + Online)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 AT 11 AM
BMO Studio Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Avenue
Our live talk show, hosted this time by CBC Radio’s Jason D’Souza, will feature interviews with playwright Sébastien Harrisson and community experts.
Each event is held the Saturday before Opening, is free to attend, live-streamed on Facebook, and is available as a podcast on our website.
B4Play is ASL Interpreted. To reserve free tickets, please call our Box Office at 250-385-6815.
WWW.BELFRY.BC.CA is produced four times per year and can be found at branches of the Greater Victoria Public Library, the Belfry, and online at issuu.com/belfrytheatre. If you would like a digital copy please drop us a line at hello@belfry.bc.ca.
BELFRY THEATRE 1291 GLADSTONE AVENUE
VICTORIA, BC
V8T 1G5
From Alaska is generously supported by
Tickets 250-385-6815 / tickets.belfry.bc.ca
Upstage is supported by
Michael Shamata and Gregor Craigie
Photo by Don Craig
SYMBOLISM OF WATER IN LITERATURE AND ART
“The sea is the favourite symbol for the unconscious, the mother of all that lives. Man’s task is to become conscious of the contents that press upward from the unconscious.”
—CARL JUNG
SYMBOLISM IS A POWERFUL TOOL USED IN LITERATURE AND ART TO CONVEY DEEPER MEANINGS AND EVOKE EMOTIONS. IT ALLOWS ARTISTS AND WRITERS TO COMMUNICATE COMPLEX IDEAS AND CONCEPTS IN A WAY THAT IS ACCESSIBLE AND RELATABLE TO THE AUDIENCE. BY USING SYMBOLS, THEY CAN TAP INTO THE UNIVERSAL HUMAN EXPERIENCE AND CREATE A CONNECTION BETWEEN THE WORK AND THE VIEWER OR READER.
Symbols can take many forms, such as objects, colours, animals, or elements of nature. They often carry multiple layers of meaning, allowing for different interpretations and adding depth to the work. One of the most common symbols in literature and art is water.
Water is a universal symbol that holds great significance in mythology and culture across different civilizations. It is often associated with life, purification, renewal, and transformation. In many creation myths, water is seen as the source of all life, representing the primordial state from which everything emerges.
In ancient Egyptian mythology, the Nile River was considered a sacred symbol of life and fertility. It was believed to be the lifeblood of the land, providing nourishment for crops, and sustaining
the people. Similarly, in Hindu mythology, the river Ganges is considered a holy river that purifies those who bathe in its waters.
Water is often used as a symbol of transformation and change in literature and art. It represents the fluidity of life and the ability to adapt and evolve.
In Christianity, water is used in the sacrament of baptism to symbolize the washing away of sins and the rebirth into a new life in Christ. In the Bible, there are numerous references to water as a symbol of spiritual cleansing and renewal.
In Islam, water is also seen as a symbol of purification. Muslims perform ablutions before prayer, washing their hands, face, and feet as a way to cleanse themselves both physically and spiritually.
Water is a common symbol in dreams and is often associated with emotions, the unconscious mind, and the depths of the psyche.
In dreams, water can take on different forms and have various meanings. For example, calm and clear water may represent tranquility and emotional stability, while turbulent or murky water may symbolize emotional turmoil or unresolved issues.
Water can also represent the unconscious mind and the depths of the psyche. It is often associated with emotions that are hidden or repressed. In dreams, diving into water or being submerged can symbolize a journey into the unconscious or a desire to explore one’s emotions more deeply.
Water is frequently used as a symbol of emotional depth and intensity in literature and art. It represents the vastness of human emotions and the power they hold over us.
In literature, water is often used to convey intense emotions such as love, longing, or grief. In Emily Bronte’s novel Wuthering Heights, for example, the character Catherine Earnshaw describes her love for Heathcliff as “an eternal rock beneath a restless sea.” This metaphor compares her love to an unyielding force that is both powerful and tumultuous.
In art, water is often used to depict emotional depth and intensity. The painting The Scream by Edvard Munch portrays a figure standing on a bridge, screaming in anguish. The swirling colors and distorted forms in the painting create a sense of emotional turmoil and intensity.
Through its use as a symbol, water allows artists and writers to tap into the collective unconscious and explore the depths of human experience. It serves as a powerful tool for communication and connection, bridging the gap between the artist or writer and the audience. As long as humans continue to seek meaning and understanding in their lives, water will remain a timeless symbol in literature and art.
From Symposium Hub
Cast & Creatives
Why I Chose This Play
I fell in love with this play when I first read it. It sneaks up on you in such a subtle way. There is little in the way of plot—it is essentially the story of two people. Two people who are thrown together when both are in extremis. Both of their lives have been changed irrevocably. Both of them are in need of a balm to soothe the ache in their heart. I cried when I read it; and I have been crying during rehearsals. Its beauty is quiet and unique.
This play—written in French—began life as a 45-minute play. This is the premiere of playwright Sébastien Harrisson’s 90-minute version—as well as the premiere of Leanna Brodie’s Englishlanguage translation. A double premiere to open the season—!
—Michael Shamata, Artistic Director
Sébastien Harrisson PLAYWRIGHT
Brenda Robins MISS Kosta Lemermeyer TODAY
Michael Shamata DIRECTOR
Christina Poddubiuk SET & COSTUME DESIGNER
Leanna Brodie TRANSLATOR
Keith Houghton PROJECTION DESIGNER
Tobin Stokes COMPOSER & SOUND DESIGNER
Bonni Baynton STAGE MANAGER
Grace Carmichael ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER
Leigh Ann Vardy LIGHTING DESIGNER
LIVE & VIRTUAL EVENTS
Our round-up of events happening at the theatre over the next four weeks.
B4PLAY (IN-PERSON + ONLINE)
BMO Studio, 1291 Gladstone Avenue
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 AT 11 AM
Our live talk show, hosted this time by CBC Radio’s Jason D’Souza, will feature interviews with playwright Sébastien Harrisson and community experts.
Each event is held the Saturday before Opening, is free to attend, live streamed on Facebook, and is available as a podcast on our website.
B4Play is ASL Interpreted.
To reserve your free tickets, please call our Box Office 250-385-6815.
TALKBACK THURSDAY
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3 FOLLOWING THE PERFORMANCE (IN PERSON EVENT)
On the third Thursday performance during the run of each show, most (usually all) of the actors return to the stage to answer your questions and provide insight into the play you have just experienced. These Q & A sessions last approximately 20 minutes.
VOCALEYE
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 AT 2 PM (IN PERSON EVENT)
For patrons with low or no vision, we offer one VocalEye performance during most Mainstage productions. Trained Audio Describers provide descriptions of the visual elements of the show, allowing people with low vision to enjoy the theatrical experience without missing any of the details. More information at the Box Office.
Belfry Librarian
The wonderful librarians at the Greater Victoria Public Library have compiled a list of books and videos to help you get even more out of our production of From Alaska.
15-Minute Painting: Effortless Watercolor by Angela Moulton (2022)
Call Me By Your Name [DVD] by Luca Guadagnino (2018)
Carol [DVD] by Phyllis Nagy, Todd Haynes (2016)
Coastal Alaska: Ports of Call and Beyond by Bob Devine (2022)
Countless Sleepless Nights: A Collection of Coming-Out Stories & Experiences by Carrina Maggar, editor (2024)
In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss by Amy Bloom (2022)
The Last Layer of the Ocean: Kayaking Through Love and Loss on Alaska’s Wild Coast by Mary Emerick (2021)
Lie With Me: A Novel by Philippe Besson (2019)
The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth (2013)
Out: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your LGBTQIA+ Kid Through Coming Out and Beyond by John Sovec (2023)
The Price of Salt, or Carol by Patrica Highsmith (1952)
Time to Go by Guy Kennaway (2019)
SPOTLIGHT ON SUPPORTERS: Dianne Soberlak
Dianne is from the West Kootenays and worked as a primary school teacher throughout the province. She was also an ex-pat for 16 years in Chile and in Australia, where she volunteered in schools before retiring to Victoria 22 years ago since her sister lives here. Once she became a year-round resident, recommendations from many good friends and family members led Dianne to becoming a Belfry subscriber.
Dianne loves musicals, but she also likes to go outside her comfort zone. She particularly likes the learning aspect of attending the theatre. She embarked on a learning curve for both The Lehman Trilogy and Yaga last season, by reading the Belfry Librarian recommended books relevant to each play, which enhanced her understanding and appreciation. After a Wednesday matinee, she likes to go out with friends to discuss the experience over coffee or a meal. “The theatre is very welcoming and brings a lot of pleasure and enjoyment to everyone. There is a very high quality of production, and it is very professional in all aspects including lighting, staging, and acting. Many times, when we leave, we think this could be New York.”
Fifteen years ago, Dianne started The Lee and Karl Soberlak Foundation in her parents’ memory, which led to providing annual support from the Foundation towards each season of plays and programs.
“Our parents always encouraged us to be generous and they took us to live performances when possible. My sister and I feel it’s important to support the arts, to give back to the community.” Dianne commented that the Belfry seems to be well run as an organization from all aspects, which helped inspire their additional legacy plans for the Foundation to ensure the future viability of the Belfry.
Dianne later decided that she would provide her own support to the theatre by making individual donations and join the Belfry Legacy Circle of members by including the theatre in her own estate plans. Rather than being anonymous, she has allowed us to publish her name as she feels it may help encourage others to do the same through the power of suggestion.
For information on joining the Legacy Circle or supporting the Belfry, please contact Susan Stevenson, Director of Development at 250-3856835 ext. 229 or susan.stevenson@belfry.bc.ca
For information on joining the Legacy Circle or supporting the Belfry, please contact Susan Stevenson, Director of Development at 250-385-6835 ext. 229 or susan.stevenson@belfry.bc.ca
Tickets 250-385-6815 / tickets.belfry.bc.ca
Photo by Susan Stevenson
From Alaska
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
September 17 – October 13
Tuesdays – Thursdays at 7:30 pm
Friday & Saturdays at 8 pm
Wednesday Matinees at 1 pm (September 25, October 2 & 9)
Saturday Matinees at 4 pm
Sunday Matinees at 2 pm
Audience Engagement Schedule
B4PLAY
(In-person + Online)
Saturday, September 14 at 11 am
TALKBACK THURSDAY (In Person)
Thursday, October 3 following the performance.
VOCALEYE
Sunday, October 6 at 2 pm (in-person event with Touch Tour)
How to buy tickets
By telephone
250 385 6815
Please have your credit card ready, as well as the date and time of the performance you wish to attend.
and buy your tickets online, anytime.
Reasons to donate today
You transform people’s lives:
Emerging Artist Enhancement Program—offering paid apprenticeships to young directors, designers, and other up-and-coming theatre practitioners in our community.
Arts Leadership Training Program—providing seminars, internships, and networks for future arts leaders from marginalized communities.
Belfry 101—introducing high school students to the world of professional theatre, and examining the social issues explored in the season’s productions.
You create new plays:
New Play Development—commissioning new plays and facilitating their development through dramaturgical feedback, workshops and play readings.
New Incubator Project—offering space and support to local artists and theatre companies exploring new areas of creative activity.
Creators’ Circle—providing local playwrights and theatre makers with constructive feedback and an artistic community.
You ensure accessibility:
Pay-What-You-Want—flexible prices for subscriptions and single tickets makes it possible for everyone to attend—and broadens our audience demographic.
VocalEye Performances—describing the action and the visual elements of our productions makes the Belfry accessible to those with low or no vision.
Hearing Assist Devices—using either our infra-red or our new loop hearing assist system makes our productions accessible to those who are hard of hearing.
