The Winter's Tale

[Jamie Skidmore]

My roommate (having discovered my love for e-mailing press releases) has
asked me to send out info. on the show she is currently rehearsing.
 
ORACLE THEATRE CO-OP presents
 
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S "THE WINTER'S TALE"
 
Shakespeare's Romance play, "THE WINTER'S TALE," is from his final period of
writing for the theatre.  It is a myth-play: a story of transformations
brought on by overwhelming feelings.  As a myth, it presents enigmas and
mysteries, suggestive both of pagan ritual and Christian faith.  Because the
play is about spiritual crisis, the church setting (Saint
Stephen-in-the-Fields) is particularly evocative of its themes.
 
Oracle Theatre Co-op evolved from the desire of its members to perform and
explore some of the infrequently performed plays of Shakespeare, in the
winter, and in places not specifically designed as theatres.  They chose
"THE WINTER'S TALE" as their first production because it seems an apt myth
for a Canadian company, being the story of seasonal trauma and renewal: the
killing frost brought on by jealousy and anger; the thaw by forgiveness,
endurance and love.
 
Director Moira Wylie was an actor in the U.S. for 12 years.  Since coming to
Canada she has acted at the Shaw Festival and the St. Lawrence Centre and
most recently at Bard on the Beach in Vancouver.  She was assistant director
to Douglas Campbell at Stratford last summer on "THE COUNTRY WIFE."
 
Designer John C. Leberg has worked in the design and props departments of
the Stratford Festival for 17 years.  He most recently created the set
design for "THE COUNTRY WIFE."
 
David Ferry (Leontes) has worked in theatres across the country and
frequently on television, film and radio, and recently directed the
critically acclaimed hit at Factory Theatre, "BLOOD."  A regular for two
years on the television series "Forever Knight," Deborah Duchene (Hermione)
makes her return to the stage after several years absence.  John Boylan
(Polixenes) recently appeared in "THE TEMPEST" directed by Michael Langham
and "A FLEA IN HER EAR" at the Atlantic Theatre Festival.  Nicky Guadagni
(Paulina) has played leading parts in Shakespeare (Juliet, Ophelia, Titania)
at the Stratford Festival, Dream in High Park and the National Arts Centre.
 
"THE WINTER'S TALE"
 
Presented by Oracle Theatre Co-op * Directed by Moira Wylie
FEATURING John Boylan as Polixenes, Deborah Duchene as Hermione, David Ferry
as Leontes, Nicky Guadagni as Paulina, D. Garnet Harding as Florizel, Thomas
Hauff as Camillo, John Healy as the Old Shepherd, David Nairn as Autolycus,
Sean Power as Clown, Patricia Zentilli as Perdita
with Soo Garay, Scott Nichol, Joanna Reynolds (my roommate), & Krista White
as the chorus
Design by John C. Leberg * Lighting by Jeff Collins
SAINT STEPHEN-IN-THE-FIELDS ANGLICAN CHURCH, 365 COLLEGE STREET
Previews Tues., Feb. 13, 8 pm * OPENS WED., FEB. 14, 1996, 8 PM
Runs until Sat. Feb. 24
Mon - Fri., 8 pm * Sat. 2 pm & 9 pm
*Wed. Feb. 21 matinee only, 1:30 pm*
Tickets $11, Monday nights and Saturday matinees, PWYC
FOR INFO. AND RESERVATIONS (416) 924-4031
 
"THE WINTER'S TALE" is an Equity Approved Co-op
 
That's all folks!!!!!