PL AYBILL of human bondage
of human bondage vern thiessen based on the novel by w. somerset maugham }{
approximate running time: 2 hours & 10 minutes. there will be one 20 minute intermission
ARTIST NOTE: GREGORY PREST
I’m writing this program note two hours after our first day of rehearsal for this remount production of Of Human Bondage. Walking into the rehearsal room today was like opening a box of forgotten memories. Props, costumes and set pieces, packed away since last year, jog us instantly back to “Oh yes, this scene!” or send us scrambling to our notes confused with “I did what with that skeleton?” Like a family gathered together in the same room again, the old jokes, dynamics and hijinks fly out of us almost unconsciously. We gather around a laptop to watch bits of the archival video to remind ourselves of some of the trickier sections that no one seems to remember. We help each other out with spacing and specific movements – because in this particular piece, something as trivial as setting down a pencil cues a whole symphony of sound, music,
movement and story. We all depend on one another. We all rely on one another. And because of this, I am reminded of how much I love this show. The gift of a remount (especially a new play) is a trust that the piece, at its heart, works. The amount of intimate, intricate collaboration that occurred last year was inspiring; and the memories of that time flood our veins and give us courage to tackle this beautiful story yet again. Putting this play together was a real labour of love. What a joy to be able to do it again. I hope you love it too.
p roduc t ion s p on sor
gregory prest, Philip Carey in Of Human Bondage
CREATIVE TEAM
OF HUMAN BONDAGE
CA ST
Dan Chameroy Cronshaw & others
John Jarvis Thorpe Athelney & others
Gregory Prest Philip Carey
Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster Sally & others
Jeff Lillico Lawson & others
Paolo Santalucia Griffiths & others
Laura Condlln Alice & others*
Richard Lam Newsie
Sarah Wilson Norah Nesbitt & others
Oliver Dennis Dr. Tyrell & others
Michelle Monteith Mildred Rogers
Produc tion
Vern Thiessen Playwright
David Ben Magic Consultant
Albert Schultz Director
Guillermo Verdecchia Dramaturg
Lorenzo Savoini Set & Lighting Designer
Michael Armstrong Dialect Coach
Erika Connor Costume Designer
Kelly McEvenue Alexander Coach
Mike Ross Composer & Sound Designer
Robert Harding Production Stage Manager
Darragh Parsons Stage Manager Laurie Merredew Assistant Stage Manager
SOULPEPPER PRODUC TION
Jacqueline Robertson-Cull Head of Hair & Makeup
Barbara Nowakowski First Hand
Greg Chambers Props Builder
Stefan Dean, Geoff Hughes Cutters
Natalie Swiercz Dresser
Paul Boddum Scenic Painter
Isaac Robinson Carpenter
*Originally played by Raquel Duffy. Of Human Bondage was commissioned by Soulpepper Theatre Company. cover: michelle monteith & gregory prest. photo: cylla von tiedemann.
BACKGROUND NOTES
“I have most loved people who cared little or nothing for me.”
W
illiam Somerset Maugham wrote these words about himself but they could just as easily describe Philip Carey, the protagonist of his classic novel, Of Human Bondage. It was not well received when it was first published in 1915 but over time, readers were drawn to his compelling exploration of the power and enduring hold of our most inexplicable desires. The obsessive love that drives the story was shocking when it first appeared and its dark appeal has kept the book in print for a hundred years. Fact and fiction are blended so artfully here that even the author had a hard time separating them, though he claimed it was more invention than autobiography. Still, both he and Philip were lonely orphans – Maugham lost both parents before the age of 10 and suffered systematic schoolyard bullying that left him with a lifelong stammer. Both author and character go through medical school unsure they want to be doctors, and both are deeply marked by the experience. Maugham considered it invaluable training for writing: “I saw how men died... how they bore pain... what hope looked like, fear and relief.” Bondage – generally considered to be his masterpiece – is rich with this knowledge, its unforgettable characters animated by Maugham’s pain, rage and craft. The novel has never had a stage adaptation, even though Maugham was also a playwright. So we were thrilled to commission
this fluid, richly theatrical version. The book presents an intricate, boldly honest portrayal of how a singular obsession feels. Somehow Thiessen’s muscular, nimble adaptation makes it seem made for the stage. He’s stripped the narrative to its essentials without sacrificing any of the power, longing and danger of the book. This jazzy reinvention (and awardwinning production) will startle and engage you, even as you feel the structure of the original melody underneath. Now in its centenary, Of Human Bondage feels as current as today’s headlines. Come rediscover this classic through fresh eyes.
W. Somerset Maugham Biography W. Somerset Maugham was born in Paris in 1874. He achieved fame in 1907 with the production of Lady Frederick and by 1908 he had four plays running simultaneously in London. He wrote more than 30 novels and story collections. He died in 1965.
Vern Thiessen Biography Vern Thiessen is considered one of Canada’s most produced playwrights. Well known works include Apple, Vimy, Shakespeare’s Will and Einstein’s Gift. His work is regularly seen across Canada, the US, Europe and Asia. Among his many awards are a Governor General’s Award, the Carol Bolt Award, the Sterling Award and a Dora Award. Mr. Thiessen is currently the Artistic Director of Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre in Edmonton.
Background Notes by 2015 Soulpepper Resident Artist Paula Wing
THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING!
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