Alumni News

Summer, 2010

Kaitlin Williams (BFA '09) has been busy with the Pacific Theatre in Vancouver, starring in their production of Godspell (May 28- July 3, 2010). Last March she was also in their production of I Was Meant for the Stage.

Blue Bridge Theatre's summer line up (see above) includes a host of UVic alumni including performances by Kholby Wardell (BFA ' 08), Celine Stubel (BFA '02) Celine Richmond (BFA '08) and set and/or costume designs by Nathan Brown (BFA '09), Patrick du Wors (BFA '02) and current student Patricia Reilly. Other current undergraduate students include Alex Plouffe (Wreckage) and Patricia Trihn (Romeo & Juliet, Medea).

Eva Markvoort. Photo by Cyrus McEachern.

Eva Markvoort (BFA '10)
a 25-year-old graduate from the Department of Theatre succumbed to a life-long battle with cystic fibrosis on March 27. A native of New Westminster, Eva’s indomitable spirit and energy were inspiring to everyone who learned of her struggles. Her blog, 65_RedRoses, chronicled her experiences with the disease and advocated support for cystic fibrosis and the importance of organ donation. As an acting student at UVic, Eva performed in four mainstage productions at the Phoenix Theatre: Taming of the Shrew, Listen to the Wind, Tyrants and Guys and Dolls. Her professors remember her as a talented actor and a person who fearlessly embraced every opportunity. In 2007, Eva became too ill to continue her education. Later that year, she received a double lung transplant, which went into chronic rejection last summer. This past February, although short two credits, UVic fast-tracked her degree, which was delivered to her hospital room in Vancouver.  Eva’s story gained an international presence through a documentary film, also named 65_RedRoses which won awards at the 2009 Hot Docs festival in Toronto and the Vancouver International Film Festival. In 2010, the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation recognized her commitment and advocacy work with the prestigious Summerhayes Award. Eva leaves an inspirational legacy – not only her tireless efforts for the causes that that impassioned her – but also one of strength, love, courage, dignity and hope that has motivated thousands around the world. Donations can be made in Markvoort's name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or learn more information about Project Give Life.

A memorial will be held in the afternoon (Time TBA) at the Department of Theatre on September 26, 2010 with a viewing of the documentary 65_RedRoses. More information about this event will be posted on the department's website in September.