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
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