Buffini Festival

Moira

Buffini Festival A satirist. A feminist. Wickedly smart and funny.

Blavatsky’s Tower November 27 - December 6 at 7:30 pm

matinee December 4 at 12:30 pm

University of Alberta Timms Centre for the Arts Tickets $11 – $22 Available at the Timms Centre ualberta.ca/artshows

Yiwen Zhou Design

BLAVATSKY’S TOWER

BY MOIRA BUFFINI Cast: Blavatsky Doctor Ingrid Audrey Roland

David Barnet Hunter Cardinal Natalie Davidson Bobbi Goddard Joseph Perry

Creative Team: Director Set & Lighting Designer Costume Designer Composer and Sound Designer Assistant Set Designer Assistant Lighting Designer Movement Coach Vocal Coach

Sandra Nicholls Robyn Ayles David Lovett Rhys Martin Cheyenne Sykes Stephanie Bahniuk Marie Nychka Betty Moulton

Stage Management: Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager

Andrea Murphy Lore Green

Advisors Design Advisor Stage Management Advisors

Guido Tondino John Raymond Charlene Roche

Amateur performance rights to produce Blavatsky’s Tower courtesy United Agents Inc. UK. There will be a 15 minute intermission.

Contents

• 3 Production Team • 4 Director’s Notes • 5 Moira Buffini Bio • 6 Dramaturgical Notes • 8 Drama News • 12 Production Histor y & Mandate • 13 Photos • 14 Staff • 16 Donors 2

PRODUCTION TEAM Production Manager Technical Director Assistant Technical Director Production Administrative Assistant Wardrobe Manager Cutter Stitcher

Head Scenic/Stage Carpentry Scenic Carpenters Lead Painter Scenic Painters

Properties Master Lighting Supervisor Head of Lighting Projectionist Lighting Technicians

Gerry van Hezewyk Larry Clark Julianna Labots Jessica Parr Joanna Johnston Julie Davie Jes Elliott Darrell Cooksey Barbara Hagensen Cheyenne Sykes

Rachel Alexandre, Stephanie Bahniuk, Maria Burkinshaw, Chris Chelich, Camille Maltais, Allison Robinson, Alison Yanota, Jane Kline Jeff Osterlin Maria Burkinshaw Elijah Lindenberger Stephanie Bahniuk, Chris Chelich, Julianna Labots, Camille Maltais, Rhys Martin, Jacinda Maxwell, Doug Radford, Mattia Poulin, Allison Robinson, Cheyenne Sykes, Alison Yanota

Sound Supervisor

Matthew Skopyk

Running Crew Lighting Operator Sound Operator Projection Assistant

Erin Hayes Nyssa Beairsto Ira Tuzlukova

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DIRECTOR’S NOTES

BY SANDRA M. NICHOLLS

B

lavatsky’s Tower is a Paradise Lost of a world that is the result of a narcissistic architect’s attempts to shape his domain into a Utopia.

GENESIS In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

And the earth was formless and void, and darkness was upon the Face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the surface of the waters.

And God said, “Let there be light”, and there was light.

PARADISE LOST BOOK LL On th’ other side up rose Belial, in act more graceful and humane; A fairer person lost not Heav’n; he seemed For dignity compos’d and high exploit: But all was false and hollow; though his Tongue Dropt Manna, and could make the worse appear The better reason, to perplex and dash Maturest Counsels: for his thoughts were low; To vice industrious, but to Nobler deeds Timorous and slothful: yet he pleas’d the eare…

John Milton

“Surely somewhere, our minds cry out, there must be preserved a TRUE UNIVERSAL KNOWLEDGE concerning humanity and the world in which we live.

Surely somewhere there is such a source of wisdom…” Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831-1891). Theosophy, An Introduction “Fire can warm or consume, water can quench or drown; wind can caress or cut.

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And so it is with human relationships: we can create and destroy, nurture and terrorize, traumatize and heal each other.”

Dr. Bruce Perry. The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog “Indifference is the strongest force in the universe. It makes everything it touches meaningless. Love and hate don’t stand a chance against it.” Joan D. Vinge “I have had the father-feeling, I am sure, when coming back after a long time to one of my buildings. That must be the true feeling of fatherhood. But I never felt it for any of my children.” Frank Lloyd Wright. Autobiography Brutalist Architecture is a movement in architecture that flourished from the 1950s to the mid-1970s, descended from the modernist architectural movement of the early 20th century. The term “brutalism” is not derived from the word “brutal”, but originates from the French béton brut, or “raw concrete”.

Critics of the style find it unappealing due to its cold appearance, projecting an atmosphere of totalitarianism. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brutalist_ architecture

MOIRA BUFFINI – BIOGRAPHY

by Rohan Kulkarni,

UAlberta MA Drama candidate

Photo by: Sarah Lee © The Guardian

M

oira Buffini, born in 1965, is a British playwright, actor, and director.

The second of three sisters, Buffini was born and raised in Cheshire, England and eventually moved to study English and Drama at the University of London. She then trained as an actor, while developing plays to tour at local Fringe festivals. Her first major success was Silence, which premiered in 1999, and Loveplay followed in 2001. Since then, Buffini has written several plays, including Dying for It (2007), Welcome to Thebes (2010) and the recent tongue-in-cheek women’s political drama Handbagged (2013).

She is the winner of Time Out and Writer’s Guild awards, as well as two-time recipient of the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, which recognizes outstanding contributions by women playwrights.

Buffini has served as the playwright-inresidence at the National Theatre Studio in London. She is also a well-known writer for TV and Film, and wrote the adapted screenplay for the critically acclaimed 2011 film Jane Eyre.

Buffini’s body of work has distinguished her as a self-aware feminist playwright, which is why the University of Alberta is presenting not one, but two of her plays this Studio Theatre season, and a third in the Bleviss Labratory Theatre. This unique showcase of Buffini’s work intends to celebrate the spirit of feminist writing and its necessity in today’s theatre. Canadian audiences have yet to be fully introduced to her plays, and the festival is a way to inspire conversation about this celebrated playwright. Buffini’s writing is fresh, relevant and delivers some hard-hitting lessons in a light-hearted fashion.

Fall Hours:

Mon - Fri: 7 PM - 12:30 AM Sundays: 7 PM - 11 PM

780-4-WALK-ME

su.ualberta.ca/safewalk

WE’LL WALK YOU HOME.

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PRODUCTION HISTORY

by Rohan Kulkarni,

UAlberta MA Drama candidate Blavatsky’s Tower was first performed at the Lion and Unicorn Theatre in Inner London, England, in March 1998. This theatrical venue is one of London’s most popular, and is known for staging innovative plays that are grounded in myth and the traditional art of storytelling.

Produced by Flying Machine Theatre and directed by playwright Moira Buffini herself, Blavatsky’s Tower was very well received by critics and audiences alike, leading to a successful month-long run. Time Out Magazine said the production had “a refreshingly dizzying perspective on that cornerstone of dysfunction - the family” and What’s On praised Buffini as “a startlingly original voice and an outstanding talent.”

Other notable productions of Blavatsky’s Tower were by Sweetpot Theatre Company at the New Venture Theatre in Brighton in December 2001; by Fallen Angel Theatre at the Jack Studio Theatre in Outer London in March 2010; Theatre West in London, 2009; and Camden’s People Theatre in London, 2011.

The most recent adaptation of Blavatsky’s Tower was at the Baron’s Court, produced by Behind the Eye Theatre. This production, performed in the round, received rave reviews, noted by The Stage as a “timely revival that tantalizingly offers an insight into the many kidnapping stories of the present; with all its moral twists and turns it leaves no easy conclusions.”

Each production of this play focuses heavily on the design. Buffini’s descriptions of a set are minimal, but the metaphysical, otherworldly nature of the play sparks special interest from the designers who attempt to stage the eccentricity of Blavatsky’s Tower. All of the productions recreate a sense of claustrophobia and sickening isolation, so that the audience is looking in on a world of consensual oppression and skewed morality.

Blavatsky’s Tower has not been produced much outside England, and it will appear on the Welsh stage in Cardiff in 2015, courtesy of 3 Crate Productions. The University of Alberta’s Studio Theatre presents one of the few overseas productions of Blavatsky’s Tower, marking its premiere in Western Canada.

U OF A STUDIO THEATRE MANDATE • To provide sterling training and educational opportunities for BFA acting, technical theatre and stage management students, and MFA design, directing and MA dramaturgy students • To provide research / creative activity opportunities for the Department of Drama’s faculty practitioners • To provide opportunities for connections with departments across campus through the choice of plays which have cultural, literary and historical significance • To provide opportunities for the community at large to engage with the Department of Drama through guest artist collaboration and attendance as audience members Kathleen Weiss, Artistic Director, U of A Studio Theatre and Chair, Department of Drama 6

NORTHERN LIGHT THEATRE PRESENTS

“I WAKE UP AS A GIRL. WITH GIRL BITS AND PIECES. AND YOU TELL ME TO JUST IGNORE IT? I USED TO BE YOUR BROTHER AND NOW I’M YOUR SISTER-BROTHER.”

SPACE // SPACE

BY JASON CRAIG PCL STUDIO, ATB FINANCIAL ARTS BARNS 10330 84 AVENUE EDMONTON, ALBERTA FOR TICKETS CALL 780-409-1910 OR VISIT WWW.FRINGETHEATREADVENTURES.CA

Northern Light Theatre is delighted to announce our Salon Series including Directors Circle Saturday with Trevor Schmidt - Nov 22 at 6:15 pm, Post-show Salon Wednesday - Nov 26, Post-show Talk Back Thursday - Nov 27, Booty Call Friday Night For more information about our Salon Series and ticket prices check out

FOR TICKETS CALL 780-409-1910 OR VISIT WWW.FRINGETHEATREADVENTURES.CA

W W W. NO RT H ER N LI GH T TH E AT R E. COM

DRAMA NEWS

compiled by Salena Kitteringham DRAMA ALUMNI AMONG PRESTIGIOUS TOP 40 UNDER 40 Avenue Magazine’s annual Top 40 under 40 list is a yearly round up honouring individuals in Edmonton and Calgary under the age of 40 who are excelling in their careers and giving back to their communities. Each year, the prestigious list features a number of UAlberta Arts alumni and staff.

JAN SELMAN APPOINTED AS DIRECTOR OF THE CSL PROGRAM Congratulations to Professor Jan Selman on her recent appointment as Director of the University of Alberta’s Community-Service Learning (CSL) Program for the next 18 month period.

Jan directed Loveplay at U of A Studio Theatre this October. She is a Full Professor in Drama and the former Chair of the The Department of Drama congratulates Department. Her area of expertise is Shannon Blanchet (‘06 BFA Acting), in directing and dramaturgy, and she performer and Supervising Producer at specializes in participatory and communityMosaic Entertainment, recognized for based theatre. Her work has earned many how “she connects with the community accolades, including induction into the through her work in theatre and shares Royal Society of Canada. She has a long her knowledge with those starting in the history of involvement with CSL and business,” and Paul Welch, (‘07 BFA Acting), a strong commitment to communityincluded for his cultural impact as coengaged research and pedagogy. founder of Third Street Theatre, Calgary’s What is CSL? The program offers students only theatre company dedicated to telling opportunities to apply classroom learning LGBTQ stories. to enhance the work of local not-for-profit organizations that often exist to effect DIRECTING ALUMNA AT THE HELM OF positive social change.

ONTARIO TYA COMPANY CAROUSEL PLAYERS SONAR EXHIBITION AT ENTERPRISE Congratulations to Jessica Carmichael (‘12 SQUARE GALLERY MFA Directing) on her recent appointment as artistic director at Carousel Players in St. November 6 - December 20, 2014 Enterprise Square Galleries, Catharines, Ontario.

(10230 Jasper Ave) U OF A LEE PLAYWRIGHT IN RESIDENCE Gallery Hours: COLLEEN MURPHY WINNER OF THE Thursday/Friday: 12 - 6pm, CAROL BOLT AWARD Saturday: 12 - 4pm On October 29, 2014, the Playwrights Guild of Canada presented Colleen Murphy with Matthew Skopyk (‘06 BFA Technical the 2014 Carol Bolt Award, recognizing her Theatre Production) is one of the sound artists featured in SONAR as part of the play Pig Girl, which premiered at Theatre Art Gallery of Alberta at Enterprise Square Network, as the best work premiered by a Playwrights Guild of Canada member in the Galleries exhibition series. SONAR features a diverse range of sound projects through past year. recordings, interactive sound environments, and sound installations referencing noise, electroacoustic, experimental and minimalist sound art practices.

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WHAT’S ON AT UALBERTA? What boundaries?

An innovative concert of new and recent works featuring Department of Music faculty composers.

Department of Music Timms Centre for the Arts

Jan 10 | 8 pm

50th Anniversary Exhibitions Art & Design 1.0

Joining Forces: New Music from the Single Reed Studios

Featuring work by Department of Art & Design contract teaching staff.

Allison Balcetis (saxophone) and Don Ross (clarinet) unite for an assortment of contemporary works from around the world.

FAB Gallery 1-1 Fine Arts Building

Department of Music Convocation Hall

Dec 9 – 20 and Jan 6 – 10

Jan 30 | 8 pm

ualberta.ca/artshows

This Playbill is Published By

© 2014 Postvue Publishing All Rights Reserved, Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written consent of the publisher.

Postvue Publishing

#200, 11230 119 St. Edmonton, AB. T5G 2X3 780.426.1996 F: 780.426.2889

fresh • inspired • committed

Proud to support U of A Studio Theatre's opening night receptions for the 2014-15 season.

E n j oy t h e s h ow !

(780) 425-0173 i n f o @ b r i d g e s c a t e r i n g. c a w w w. b r i d g e s c a t e r i n g. c a

Administrative Staff Kathleen Weiss: Chair, Department of Drama Julie Brown: Assistant Chair Administration David Prestley: Theatre Administrator / Events Coordinator Jessica Parr: Box Office Coordinator / Events Assistant Ruth Vander Woude: Graduate Advisor / Chair’s EA Connie Golden: Undergraduate Advisor Helen Baggaley: Office Coordinator With assistance from Faculty of Arts staff: Salena Kitteringham: Fine Arts Communications Lead Terah Jans: Fine Arts Marketing Specialist Kyle Ireland: Fine Arts Recruitment Coordinator

Production Staff Gerry van Hezewyk: Production Manager / Administrative Professional Officer Larry Clark: Technical Director, Timms Centre for the Arts Darrell Cooksey: Head Carpenter Julie Davie: Cutter Joanna Johnston: Costume Manager Jane Kline: Property Master Karen Kucher: Costumer, Fine Arts Building Don MacKenzie: Technical Director, Fine Arts Building Jeff Osterlin: Lighting Supervisor Jessica Parr: Production Administrative Assistant Matthew Skopyk: Second Playing Space Coordinator / Sound Supervisor

Front of House Bonita Akai, Angela Cotton, Danielle Dugan, Alisdair Gadowsky, Bob Gaudet, Terri Gingras, Tasreen Hudson, Laura Norton, Candice Stollery, Faye Stollery, Cheryl Vandergraaf and Catherine Vielguth Volunteers: Christian Badiu, Debbie Beaver, Oleg Bogatryrevich, Susan Box, Franco Correa, Sarah Culkin, Joan Damkjar, Alana De Melo, Jonathan Durynek, Mary and Gene Ewanyshyn, Thom Friesen, Ron Gleason, Darcy Hoover-Correa, Mary Ingraham, MarieAndrĂŠe Lachapelle, Don Lavigne, Kabriel Lilly, Connie Logan, Sareeta Lopez, Tom and Gillian McGovern, Marlene Maylj, Connor Meeker, Jennifer Morely, Joe Perry, Alice Petruk, David Prestley, Leila Raye-Crofton, and Jane Voloboeva 11

LOVEPLAY

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

“The play is a perfect vehicle for these six young performers just starting in their careers but it is far more than an academic exercise. It s an achingly funny, head-scratching, jubilant, audience pleasing, evening of entertainment. Four and a half SUNS out of five.�

-Colin MacLean, Edmonton Sun

Photography: Ed Ellis Photography

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DONORS H

eartfelt thanks to the individuals, foundations and organizations listed below for recognizing the importance of the arts by directly investing in the Department of Drama’s innovation and leadership in theatre training and performance.

A round of applause to our supporters!

Baha R. Abu-Laban Jan­et Allcock Giovanna Anselmo Vera Apletree Doug Armstrong Annalisa C. Baer Barbara Baer Pillay Roderick E. Banks James T. Barmby PHD David Barnet & Edith Mitchell Marg Barrie William Barton Carole Barton Joan Bensted William Betteridge Richard Bowes David Brindley Julie Brown Dr Adolf Buse Rachel Christopher Brent Christopherson Penny Coates Faye Cohen Dr Lesley B. Cormack Brian Crummy Brian J. Deedrick Robert Desmarais W Gifford Edmonds Jacqueline Evenson John & Bunny Ferguson Mike Giles

Ron & Sheila Gooding Melvina M. Gowda Bohdan Harasymiw P Ruth Harle Dr Murray Hawkins Christopher Head Bonnie Irwin Jeanne Irwin Pavel and Sylva Jelen Dr Joan M Johnston Gerry Kendal Michelle Kennedy Matthew Kloster Karen Kucher Patricia Langan Bill Lauder Peggy M Marko Gordon McIntosh Rod McLeod Mary Ellen Meszaros Betty Moulton Dr Audrey O’Brien Dale Olausen Esther Ondrack Mary-Ellen M. Perley-Waugh Tom A. Richards Dr Owen Ricker Judith Robinson Kenneth L. Roy Valerie Sarty R Brenda Devlin Schmidt

Dr Alison Scott-Prelorentzos Albin Shanley Phillip Silver Betty Lou Sloan Dr & Mrs Brian Sproule Cori Stent Gilda L.F. Valli Henriette van Hees Sonia Varela Doug Warren Deborah Yee Edmonton Community Foundation Various Anonymous Donors

This list includes those who donated to various Drama funds from August 2013 - July 2014.

Apologies for inadvertent omissions or errors. Contact 780-492-2271 for corrections.

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