Turandot
Carlo Gozzi's romantic fairytale
Edited and Translated by Albert Bermel and Ted Emery
The play that inspired Puccini’s famous opera, Turandot tells the legendary story of the Ice Princess whose love of liberty makes her reject the bonds of marriage. Unable to persuade her father to let her stay unwed, she hits on a plan sure to discourage suitors throughout the land: anyone rash enough to seek her hand must answer three riddles. She will marry the man who answers correctly; but he who tries and fails will be beheaded. And as the ramparts of the palace fill up with the lost heads of the amorous, along comes a handsome prince who will not be beaten. But as this fantastical, commedia dell-arte comedy soon reveals, in the ageless power-struggle of the sexes, winning is losing—at least when it comes to love.
Guest Director: John
Van Burek
Guest Set and Costume Designer: Ritirong Jiwakanon
Guest Lighting Designer: Paul Mathiesen
Composer and Musical Director: Alexander Ferguson
Movement Coach: Peter Balkwill
Choreographer: Melissa Young
Stage Manager: Rena McLeod
Cast: Kate Braidwood, Elicia Cronin, Annette Dreeshen, Adrianne Dunsmore, Silena-Ann Ewen, Alexander Ferguson, Jay Hindle, Katie Hood, Erin Hoyt, Kate Humble, Ben Lawrence, Monica McGarry, Tom Middleditch, Emma Miller, Mitch Pollock, Tina Rogers, Katie Siney, Jeff Stubbs, Celine Stubel, Karen Taylor, Nathan Whims, Chad Wood and Melissa Young.
November
15 -
December 1, 2001
Matinee - Saturday, December 1- 2pm
Pre-Show Lecture - November 16 - 7pm
Dinner Theatre Evening - November 20
MEDIA REVIEWS
“This is a stunningly beautiful show, benefiting hugely from a gorgeous oriental-themed set and costumes created by Ritirong Jiwakanon, a guest director from Thailand. In fact, the visuals are the endeavour’s chief strength.”
- Adrian Chamberlain, Times Colonist
“From behind a mask and playing an ageing male courtesan, Kate Humble delivers the evening’s most consistent performance, never deviating from her hunchbacked, meddlesome, curmudgeon of a character.
Tom Middleditch’s clowning Truffaldino steals every scene he’s in. Visiting designer Ritiron Jiwakanon, a native of Thailand, has created a marvelous red set that looks a bit like the interior of Ming’s restaurant.
Kudos to Alexander Ferguson who has written (and performs) a moody, dramatic score that is more memorable than anything the play’s characters have to say.”
- David Lennam, News Group
“The play is really a logical choice for a University, it allows the students to work on two totally opposite styles of theatre within one show, you have the masked clowns cutting up while the court scenes with their asides, stiff formality and highblown language are reminiscent of Restoration comedy.”
-Robert Mitchell, CBC Reviewer
“Though more satirical than The Nutcracker and most English pantos, Turandot has the same fantasy appeal and would be suitable for older children. Engaging and visually glorious, it’s perfect pre-holiday fare.”
- Naomi Lester, Monday Magazine
