by
GEORGE BERNARD SHAW
2019 SEASON
chemainustheatre.ca
FEATURED ARTIST CAROLYN McDONALD VISIT THE GALLERY DURING INTERMISSION
Plus a great selection of local pottery, glass, textiles, giftware, jewelry and more.
chemainustheatre.ca
SEP 13 - OCT 5
by
GEORGE BERNARD SHAW THE CAST
in order of appearance Mr. Praed Tariq Leslie Vivie Warren Martha Ansfield-Scrase Mrs. Kitty Warren Erin Ormond Sir George Crofts Declan O’Reilly Frank Gardner Julien Galipeau Reverend Samuel Gardner Stephen Aberle
ARTISTIC CREDITS Director Heather Cant Set/Lighting Designer Ksenia Broda-Milian Costume Designer Crystal Hanson Sound Designer John Han Stage Manager Lois Dawson Appr Stage Manager Samantha Pawliuk THERE WILL BE ONE 20 MINUTE INTERMISSION Presented with the generous assistance of SEASON SPONSOR
Chemainus Theatre Festival acknowledges it creates and performs on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish people. The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Please turn off cellular phones or pagers in the theatre. Chemainus Theatre Festival engages, under the terms of the Independant Theatre Agreement, professional Artists who are members of the Canadian Actor’s Equity Association. The Chemainus Theatre Festival acknowledges the support of Canadian Actor’s Equity Association and its members.
Donate today! Online at Chemainustheatre.ca/endowment Or in Person at The Box Office
MANAGING DIRECTOR’S NOTES Welcome! We have now passed the midpoint of what’s been a wonderful, fulfilling 2019 Season. It has included trips to wondrous places such as Salzburg Austria for The Sound of Music, the deep American South for The Foreigner and a wee Greek Island for 114 energetic sold-out performances of Mamma Mia! Now we visit the English countryside for Mrs. Warren’s Profession. The varied destinations are matched by the breadth of theatre experiences in 2019; dramas, comedies and musicals all made possible by you, our supportive audience. For those keen to become more involved with Chemainus Theatre and support our work, please consider donating to our recently launched 2019 Endowment Circle Campaign. Donations are invested in the theatre’s Endowment Fund; a long-term investment that helps build financial health to keep the theatre alive and vibrant for future generations. I am grateful to share that this year, gifts to our Endowment Fund will be matched by the Department of Canadian Heritage. This means your generous donation will have double the impact for Chemainus Theatre. To learn more, please visit us online at www.chemainustheatre.ca/ support_us. Revenue from tickets sales cover over 80% of our annual costs, with the balance through vital fundraising efforts. Chemainus Theatre is a not-forprofit charity and depends on donor support to help sustain our work. For now, sit back, relax, and prepare for this thought provoking George Bernard Shaw classic. Thank you for supporting live professional theatre on Vancouver Island. Randal Huber
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S NOTES Programming plays that have stood the test of time, in this case, a European classic by Shaw, has been a feature of the Chemainus Theatre Festival from its origins. With its heightened language, winding rhetoric, impassioned arguments, and layered styles, Shaw is a welcome challenge in a theatrical season that has both broad appeal and deep exploration. Mrs. Warren’s Profession asks us to examine many elements of historic society which resonate today. It asks what opportunities do the poor have in our culture? Where do we draw ethical and moral boundaries? What are we willing to do for the future of our children? How do our children view our choices and actions? The show raises many other questions and quandaries for us to consider and discuss after our time in the theatre. I’m thankful to produce this show with this creative team of artists that include the keen insights of Heather Cant in her Chemainus directing debut and a wonderfully transformative actor whose work I have admired for years, Erin Ormond, in the title role. What a privilege and pleasure to see this team’s dedication to the craft of theatre and to watch you, our fantastic, engaged and dedicated audience, exploring this world together. Enjoy the show! Mark DuMez
DIRECTOR’S NOTES “What’s a woman worth?” Shaw doesn’t mince words. For many people when you mention this play what they think of first is the morality and legality of someone earning a living by providing sexual services. Certainly, that is the social commentary that Shaw was provoking in his initial audiences. For me, though, this play also highlights the ever-constant struggle in our generational divides. “…people who are dissatisfied with their own bringing-up generally think that the world would be all right if everybody were to be brought up quite differently.” Young people have always fought against an older generation that they often feel cannot see that the world can and should be different – but at some point that young generation ages and, reluctantly or unknowingly, becomes what they fought against. Things have changed in myriad ways since Mrs. Warren’s Profession was first published in 1898 and was immediately banned from public performance. However, despite best efforts, each generation in their own way trying as hard as the last, over 120 years later we somehow find ourselves still debating the value of women – what our bodies are worth, what our minds are worth, and who gets to decide when and how they have value. And so here we are, with a very old play whose themes should not feel as contemporary as they do. Throughout the process of us creating this play for you, I have been asking myself, and now I will ask you: What if we, as humans, brought together the spirit, vigor, and vision of our young people with the diligence, wisdom, and tenacity of our elders? What then, might we be capable of? Could we eradicate the reasons that question persists? Thank you for choosing to be at theatre - I hope very much that you are moved by this production. Heather Cant
Heather is a multi-faceted BC-based theatre artist whose work as a director, producer, creator, and actor has taken her across Canada. She is the Artistic Producer for Phenomania Arts Society, and the creator and curator of Secret City, an ongoing digital theatre project that explores the secret life of public spaces in an ever growing list of cities. www. phenomania.live
ARTISTIC COMPANY
STEPHEN ABERLE
MARTHA KSENIA ANSFIELD-SCRASE BRODA-MILAN
LOIS DAWSON
JULIEN GALIPEAU
STEPHEN ABERLE - Stephen graduated from Studio 58 and has worked in theatre, film, radio, TV, and opera for forty-some years. Some of this century’s credits include Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof for the Chemainus, Western Canada, and Persephone theatres, Judge Turpin in the award winning Snapshots Collective production of Sweeney Todd, Zeus in Ann Mortifee’s opera The Mysteries, and TV appearances on The Man in the High Castle, The L Word, and Supernatural. MARTHA ANSFIELD-SCRASE - Martha was most recently seen traipsing around Rooster’s Wood in United Players production of Jerusalem. She is delighted to be in the company of folks one hundred years prior with equally questionable morality. Polite society clearly does not suit her, nor corset and stays - the like of which she also cast off whilst in Fort Steele Heritage Town last summer. Martha trained at The Poor School, London and Acting International, Paris. KSENIA BRODA-MILIAN - Ksenia is a set/costume/lighting designer, instructor, and ADC member. She holds an MFA from the University of Alberta and trained with Creative Manitoba, Off the Wall Artist’s Alliance, and the Banff Centre. Recently she’s designed for Rainbow Stage, Winnipeg Jewish Theatre, Western Canada Theatre, Magnus Theatre; and assisted on Matilda (Citadel/RMTC/Arts Club). She’s happy be doing her second show with Heather, and first show in Chemainus! LOIS DAWSON - Lois is a Vancouver-based Stage Manager with a penchant for baking elaborate cupcakes and chasing waterfalls. Lois was last in Chemainus for Kim’s Convenience and The Little Prince. Recently, she stage managed RedPatch (Arts Club/Citadel/Hardline), The Occupation of Heather Rose (Theatre Northwest), and Les Belles Soeurs (Ruby Slippers Theatre). Next she returns to Prince George for Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Story. JULIEN GALIPEAU - Julien is thrilled to be returning to Chemainus. A graduate of Studio 58, Julien is excited to take on theatre across Canada. Previous credits include Camera Obscure (Frank Theatre), Little Women (Chemainus Theatre) and Much Ado About Nothing (Bard on the Beach). Julien would like to thank his family and friends for their ongoing support.
ARTISTIC COMPANY
JOHN HAN
CRYSTAL HANSON TARIQ LESLIE
DECLAN O’REILLY
ERIN ORMOND
JOHN HAN - John is a performing artist and theatre practitioner who is excited to return as a sound designer. He was last seen on stage with Chemainus Theatre in The Magician’s Nephew and Kim’s Convenience and directed the 2019 studio show, I and You. His past sound designs include the previously mentioned shows and The Foreigner. He is the Artistic Associate and Education Assistant at Chemainus Theatre. CRYSTAL HANSON - Crystal is a graduate of the Fashion Design & Technology Program at Kwantlen University College. Past costume designs at the Chemainus Theatre Festival include Grease, Silent Sky, Pride & Prejudice , Million Dollar Quartet, Grace & Glorie, Ring of Fire, Waiting for the Parade, All Shook Up (Gateway Theatre co-production), Countryside Christmas, and Ah, Wilderness! She would like to thank her parents for their support and encouragement. TARIQ LESLIE - Tariq is thrilled to be working with Heather and such an incredibly talented team at Chemainus. Recent credits: Master Class, Frost/ Nixon, Betrayal (Ensemble Theatre Company). Other credits: A Woman of No Importance, Heartbreak House, Riders to the Sea (Shaw Festival), Richard III, Merchant of Venice (Nottingham Playhouse). TV/Film: Another Life (Netflix), Dirk Gently (BBC), Arrow (CW). DECLAN O’REILLY - For Chemainus: Jeeves Takes a Bow. Elsewhere: The Scarlet Letter; A Christmas Carol; The Audience; King Lear; One Man, Two Guvnor’s -Theatre Calgary. Much Ado About Nothing -The Shakespeare Company. The Lonley Diner- Vertigo Theatre; The Skin of Our Teeth; Tent Meeting-Rosebud Theatre; Shakespeare’s Rebel-Bard on the Beach; Circle Mirror Transformation- Sage & Shadow Theatre Co-production. As alwaysThanks Marie for your love & support! ERIN ORMOND - Erin recently appeared as Tanya in Mamma Mia! (Chemainus Theatre Festival). Other CTF credits include A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur, Harvey, Grace and Glorie, Dracula, A Christmas Carol, Enchanted April, An Ideal Husband and Queen Milli of Galt. Off the island, The Christians (Pacific Theatre), The Audience (Arts Club Stanley) for which she received a Jessie nomination, Steel Magnolias (Richmond Gateway), and The Miracle Worker (Western Canada Theatre Company).
Open Tuesday - Saturday 3-9739 Willow Street, Chemainus, BC
www.DocTheBarber.com
Offering a traditional Barbershop experience
VA N C O U V E R
I S L A N D ’ S
T H E AT R E
G E TA WAY
ARTISTIC COMPANY
SAMANTHA PAWLIUK
SAMANTHA PAWLIUK - A Vancouver-based stage manager and drag performer, Samantha is a settler on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded territories of the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. Here in Chemainus, she is grateful to the peoples of the Stz’uminus, Snuneymuxw, W ̱ SÁNEĆ, and Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group for the privilege of visiting and working on their land. Samantha is a graduate of Vancouver Island University and Studio 58. (@anita_d.rag)
ON STAGE
THE SCANDELOUS CLASSIC, MRS. WARREN’S PROFESSION In what is one of George Bernard Shaw’s most controversial plays, Mrs. Warren must attempt to reconcile with her disapproving daughter in a story sprinkled generously with sharp comedy and biting social commentary that remains relevant today. Elements of the play were borrowed from Shaw’s 1882 novel Cashel Byron’s Profession, about a man who becomes a boxer due to limited employment opportunities. Miss Janet Achurch (an actress and friend of Shaw’s), suggested that Shaw should put on the stage a real modern lady of the governing class—not the sort of thing that theatrical and critical authorities imagine such a lady to be. Image: George Bernard Shaw
He did so; and the result was Miss Vivie Warren. Mrs. Warren’s position is that poverty and a society that condones it constitutes true immorality, while Vivie recognizes her mother’s courage, but grapples with her ongoing involvement in the business. Mrs. Warren’s Profession was written by George Bernard Shaw in 1893 and published in 1898, but was not performed until 1902 due to government censorship of its primary subject matter. Even then it was only produced as a private showing at London’s New Lyric Club. Shaw, an Irish playwright, critic, and political activist, used his public persona to promote ideas of social reform. He was obsessed with the inequalities of society, particularly around the disparity between the classes and lack of women’s rights; he found these morally unjust. In defending his play, Shaw claimed he needed to “draw attention to the truth that prostitution is caused, not by female depravity and male licentiousness, but simply by underpaying, undervaluing, and overworking women so shamefully that the poorest of them are forced to resort to prostitution to keep body and soul together.” Further, he argued “starvation, overwork, dirt, and disease are as anti-social as prostitution.”
There is some irony to be realized when one considers that while Mrs. Warren’s Profession was known as a proto-feminist text, it was first performed in a club where women could only enter upon special occasion, and then only if accompanied by a man. Furthering this, some argue that Shaw created a conversation about women, rather than with women. Regardless, Mrs. Warren’s Profession still has the power to provoke and spark important, relevant conversations in present day. Shaw’s play directs audiences to consider the ways in which gender relations and historical power inform the present.
MEET THE CHARACTERS MR. PRAED
A friend of Mrs. Warren, middle-aged and attractive, a good man.
VIVIE WARREN
Mrs. Warren’s daughter, recently graduated from university with honours.
MRS. KITTY WARREN
An attractive, middle-aged businesswoman and former prostitute, made wealthy by running a string of brothels.
SIR GEORGE CROFTS
Mrs. Warren’s business partner. A middle-aged, stodgy, entitled member of the upper class.
FRANK GARDNER
Youthful son of Reverend Gardner. REVEREND SAMUEL GARDNER A local minister.
Mr. Praed
Mrs. Kitty Warren
Vivie Warren
2019 DONORS
Angels $2,500+
Player’s Circle $300 - $999
Brian Linton & Sherry Thompkins John & Sue MacDonald Malcolm & Karen MacLeod Thomas & Mary Gilmour Burt & Elaine Allison Richard & Judith Marr Darlene MacLean Tom & Heather Andrews Ross & Donna McArthur Ruth Smith Bev Angus Anonymous Richard & Maureen Arnold Susan Menzies Bob & Margaret Merriam Darlene Bailey Adina Mooney Artistic Director’s Robert & Barbara Baillie Pat & Linda Moore Hal & Donna Baldwin Circle Stan & Aileen Munro Fred & Marg Birkenhead $1,000 - $2,499 Larry & Jan Myhre Richard & Brenda Bond Les & Lynne Aldcroft Peter & Sieka Pardee Alan & Mary Coombes Pat & Emery Ballantyne Brian Payne & Bonnie Cooper Peter & Beryl Cox Ken & Sonjia Beswick Stuart & Sharon Price Dann & Carolyn Cox Neil Burn & Maisie Barnett Wayne & Harmina Richmond Norton & Carole Dainard Monty & Adelle Clements Garth Decker & Jen Forrest Mark & Maria Ridewood Clair & Valerie Davies Barrie & Lorie Rogers Jim & Heather Drake Colin & Anne Dobell Ruth Schiller Mark DuMez & Erin Ormond Laverne & Arlene Erickson Louis Seidel Marie Emery Jan & Nancy Glerup John & Anne Silins Ian Farthing Kathryn Holt Donalda Smith Lyle & Maggie Flostrand Donald & Roberta Johannessen Bary & Bonnie Sparkes Donald Gerla & Noreen Linton Donald & Muriel John Patricia Sunderland Helen Foster Gordon & Linda Jones Cedric & Judy Trueman Peter & Marilyn Hegarty Gordon & Maxine Lowick Mike & Jenetta Walsh Albert Hill & Jean Glen McDaniel Family Foundation Jack & Shirley Westaway Mike & Teresa Hleck Gregg & Jennifer Perry Lyle & Jean Widdifield Joy Holland Carmen & Ed Pitcher Gary & Michelle Williams Randal & Rebecca Huber David & Ingelise Pollock Kristie Woodrow Shirley Husband Manly Price Anonymous J. D. Martin Law Group Murray & Jane Schafer Patricia Johnson Betty Short Michael Jones & Alyson Lavers Marina Stanko Arlene Juby Alex & Carol Stewart John & Lynne Landygo Karla Wagner Len Lindstrom & Karen Chaster Anonymous
STAFF AND BOARD Executive
Artistic Director: Mark DuMez Managing Director: Randal Huber
Administration
Sponsorship Assoc: Marlie Kelsey Administrative Assistant: Mya Wilson Accountant: Eric Douglas Bookkeeper: Anita McCallum Accounting: Diana Carter Marketing & Sales Dir: Michelle Vogelgesang Marketing Assistant: Gillian Guest
Education
Education Coord/Artistic Assoc: Melissa Young Education Asst/Artistic Assoc: John Han
Front of House
Manager: Johnny Lee Coordinator: Stephanie Allesia, Claire Friedrich
Facilities and IT
Manager: Damion Knight Assistant: Don Smythe Maintenance: Erv Goertz, Katrina Smith
Box Office
Manager: Andrea Starr Group Bookings Coord: Karen Sharanowski Head Ticket Agent: Dale Lehmann Ticket Agents: Sherry Hubka, Dee McCuaig, Petra van Linschoten, Sandra Wilson
Gallery Gift Shop
Manager: Lorna Rivard Assistants: Carol Granger, Kathryn Jacobsen, Susan Lumholst-Smith, Fonda Newell, Louise Squires, Colleen Wike
Production
Production Manager: Nicole Lamb Production Coordinator: Victoria Caldwell Technical Director: Brayden Crawford Asst TD/House Tech: Nick Barrett Head of Wardrobe: Crystal Hanson Wardrobe Lead Hand: Mary Downes Head of Props: Kristen Nuhn Scenic Painter: Jennifer Hedge Head Carpenter: James O’Leary Asst Carpenter: Doug Clark Changeover Crew 2019: Tyler Bangsund, Luc Beaulieu, Arielle Bergeron, Anna Brancato, Steve Draper, Mike Demchuk, Ty Fraser, Armin Grueneklee, Geoff Hendrie, Pierson Joseph, Liz King, Maddie Mahon, Colin Mann, Gabrielle Marcolin, Jaxun Maron, Shelby McCoy, Tyler McGee, Tatty Mitchell-Faber, Andrew Nicholls, Jacob Reeves, Natasha Salway, Brydie Thomas, Jonah Turton, Mya Wilson
Playbill Dining Room
Exec Chef/Hospitality Manager: Nick Caulford Exec Sous Chef: Valerie Butler Asst Hospitality Manager: Terry Williams Pianists: Bernadette Brown, Dwight Siemens Staff: Jeanette Antoine, Barry Bissonnette, Judith Buckley, Shelby Carmichael, Zeaira Duval, Janie Dyson, Eli Eckert-Johnson, Rita-Ann Frank, Heather Irwin, Makayla Joe, Andrew Kasika-Planes, Mikhayla Knott, Wendy Knowland, Joseph Klatt Leblanc, Jaclyn Lowry, Carly Maxwell, Mackenzie McCallum, Tamra McIntosh, Tyler McIntosh, Deb McMullin, Kelly McPherson, Tyler Owen, Hannah Peterson, Rebecca Rhode, Kailie Shelton, Catherine Stiles, Ally Taylor, Bejamin Terlien, Kaleb Thomas, Judy Ursulan, James Yateman, Hannah Zimmer
VOLUNTEER BOARD Chemainus Theatre Festival Society Chair: Pat Moore Vice Chair: Tim Erickson Treasurer: Maria Ridewood
Chemainus Theatre Foundation Chair: David Pink Vice Chair: Mike Skene Treasurer: Maria Ridewood
Founders
LaVerne Erickson, Ken Smith (1927-2017)
Directors at Large
Irma Andersen, Eileen Godkin, Jeremy Martin, Kerry McIntyre, Larry Myhre, Stuart Price
SPECIAL THANKS Photo Credits: Mrs. Warren’s Profession - Erin Ormond.
Lumberjacks in Love - Brendan Williams, Koh McRadu, Henry Beasley Miracle on 34th Street - Gerald Philip Lovett, Mayzei Sacerty David Cooper Photography.
A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR OUR SPONSORS SEASON SPONSOR
EDUCATION SPONSOR
MAINSTAGE SPONSORS
MAINSTAGE SUPPORTING ROLE
KIDZPLAY SPONSOR
MEDIA SPONSORS
GOVERNMENT & FOUNDATION SPONSORS
GENTLE REMINDERS SMARTPHONES, CAMERAS AND RECORDING DEVICES The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Please turn off cellular phones or pagers in the theatre. BABES IN ARMS In consideration of our patrons and performers, children three and under will not be admitted to Main Stage performances. SCENT FREE ZONE Help us keep the air we share healthy and fragrance free. Please do not wear perfume, cologne, aftershave or other fragrances. LATECOMERS AND READMISSION If you are late or need to leave the auditorium during the performance, you will be re-seated at a suitable break in the performance, at which time the seating location will be at the discretion of management. In special circumstances, late seating or readmission may not be permitted. HEARING ASSIST Listening devices for the hard of hearing are available at the coat check for use during the performance. Reserve early as we have limited availability. TALK BACK After every Wednesday evening performance stay for a discussion (questions and answers) with the actors from the show! Learn what happens ‘Behind the Scenes’. SMOKE FREE PROPERTY Please refrain from smoking while visiting all areas of the property.
OCT 18 - NOV 2
COMING UP NEXT A SNEAK PEAK INTO THE LOG SPLITTING MUSICAL COMEDY LUMBERJACKS IN LOVE
Welcome to Haywire Lumber Camp, Wisconsin. The quirky residents of this shanty include boss Minnesota Slim, Dirty Bob, Muskrat, and Moonlight. Two hundred miles away from civilization, these lumberjacks entertain themselves with quick banter, by taking their weekly baths, and practising their dancing, with coin tossing to decide who plays the woman. Their bachelor lifestyle is turned upside down with a letter: Minnesota Slim has accidentally ordered himself a mail-order bride! This slap-happy tale brings big belly laughs and pure silliness as we watch to see if romance will bloom where bath time is once a month and the only thing that brings these big, burly boys running is the sound of the dinner bell!
adapted by
CALEB MARSHALL
and ERIN KEATING from the classic short story by VALENTINE
DAVIES
NOV 15 - DEC 29
Luxurious Theatre Getaways Dinner, Theatre, Hotel & Breakfast
Starting at
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1.800.565.7738 chemainustheatre.ca