Member Profile – Page 11 – Walterdale Theatre

Meet the Cast of THE WOMEN – Julie Whelan is Crystal!

What is your role in The Women? I play Crystal Allen, one of the more obvious antagonists of the play. She is a lower class woman who uses cunning strategy and sexuality to climb the social ladder.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I have no background in theatre! I’m the newest member of the Walterdale family and The Women is my theatrical debut.

What brought you out for the show? I have a client who is a talented musical theatre actress and she suggested that I give the Walterdale a try. Honestly, I was looking for a new hobby since my children are school aged and I finally have some time for myself. When Catherine sent me the script, I knew immediately that this was a project I wanted to be a part of.

Why do you think audiences should come and see the show? The play is hilarious on the surface but also provokes some serious thought on the obstacles women have overcome since 1936 and the challenges we are still faced with today. People who want a good laugh and some serious food for thought need to come see this play. The cast is also made up entirely of incredibly talented women who bring so much color to the play.

What do you think is the most important issue facing women today (in North America? Globally?)? Why? Access to birth control and safe abortions. This is an obstacle for women worldwide. While we have much better access here in North America vs. many other parts of the globe, we still aren’t free from the judgment, harassment and lack of privacy when it comes to our right to choose. In this political climate it seems we’ve taken two steps back in this category- and that’s frightening!

Meet the Team of SHATTER – Savanna Harvey is the Lighting and Sound Designer

What is your role on this production? Light and sound designer.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I started with Walterdale as Assistant Director for Jennie’s Story (2014). I was also Associate Dramaturg for the Cradle to Stage play Bottled Up (2016).

What brought you out for this show? I’m an independent creator-performer, and I’ve wanted to learn more about light and sound design for ages. What better way to learn than by doing?!

What do you think audiences will take away from this show? Why should they come and see it? I may be a little biased, but I think the lighting design for Shatter is really cool. I tried to design a unique aesthetic (flashlights and shadow puppetry) on top of stage lighting that would compliment the themes in the text. Watch out for shadows, suspicion, and fragmentation!

Shatter deals with a major event in Canadian history that Canadians today might not know too much about. Are there any other major events in Canadian history that you feel we should know more about that we do? I don’t know much about Canadian history, but I am involved in its present. I participated in the Edmonton Women’s March on Washington last January. Collectively, these marches were the largest civil rights march in history. The event aimed to be intersectional, inclusive, and international, supporting of the rights of all women and femmes. It was an incredible experience – it’s not often you have the opportunity to actively participate in history! I ended up making an art exhibit about the experience called ARTifacts of Protest. If you’re interested in learning more about the march, I’m presenting the exhibit and a lecture at the University of Alberta for International Week (January 2018).

Meet the Team of SHATTER – Rebecca Collins is the ASM!

What is your role in/on this production? I am the Assistant Stage Manager for Walterdale’s production of Shatter. I communicate between creative departments and help keep track of the actors during performance. The Shatter creative team has been incredibly collaborative, and I feel privileged to have analyzed the play with the performers in rehearsal. My favorite part of being the Assistant Stage Manager is bringing Jordan Campion coffee.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? My first acting role was tree 1 of 3, in my grade three class production of Hansel and Gretel. However, it was my fifth grade after school drama class production of A Christmas Carol and my role as Ghost of Christmas Past that truly inspired my love of theatre. I have since grown to become a theatre and humanities educator with Edmonton Public Schools. I have worked creatively in theatre as an actor, designer, director, and now assistant stage manager! Shatter is my first Walterdale production and I have loved exploring the space and getting to know the wonderful group of people who make theatre magic happen!

What brought you out for this show? I attended the University of Alberta with the director of Shatter, Josh Languedoc. Over our time in university, Josh and I collaborated on many artistic projects, including attending the Indra Congress in Derry/Londonderry Northern Ireland. When Josh expressed that he was looking to build his creative team for this production I jumped at the opportunity to work with him again. I have wanted to work on a play with Walterdale for many years and I had a chance to finally bring my dream to fruition.

What do you think audiences will take away from this show? Why should they come and see it? Shatter is a poignant and relatable story to our current socio-political climate. Opening on the 100^th anniversary of this major Canadian tragedy, Shatter reminds audiences that we haven’t come quite as far as we would like to think we have. In the face of danger and disaster, fear can still blind us and make us distrust our neighbors. As a social studies teacher, I believe that we study the past to find connections between the past and our present while making predication about our future. I hope that audiences will reflect on the mistakes Canadians have made before and think about how they as individuals can influence our future. I think audiences should come and see Shatter because Trina Davies’ story is truly captivating and will deepen their understanding of a terrible Canadian tragedy.

I think that a lot of young Canadians don’t know a lot about the 1970 October Crisis. The Front de liberation du Québec (FLQ) kidnapped British diplomat James Cross and provincial cabinet Minister of Labour Pierre Laporte, declaring them political prisoners. The FLQ forced CBC to broadcast their manifesto, and a letter of captivity from Pierre Laporte. Laporte was eventually executed by the FLQ, his body found strangled in the trunk of a car.

There were multiple bombings through out Quebec, primarily in Montreal, detonated by FLQ members. Pierre Elliot Trudeau invoked the War Measure Act and had military enforcement patrolling the streets of Quebec. The October Crisis is the only time in Canadian history the War Measures Act has been invoked during peace times.

I think it is important that Canadians understand the October Crisis for a number reasons. One good reason to know about this part of Canadian history is to know how our fellow Canadians have responded to political unrest. The October Crisis is a bloody, vulgar, and shocking part of our not so distant past.

Meet the Team of SHATTER – Austin Lohouse is the Props Master!

What is your role on this production? I am the one the Props Masters for this show and that involves created and altering all sorts of props and set decorations

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I went the MacEwan University for theatre production for 2 years and worked with Mile Zero Dance on their show Anything Goes A Dance in 17 Parts. This is my first show with Walterdale.

What brought you out for this production? As I was chatting with Rachel (the other props master for this show) over coffee she invited me to the first production meeting where I introduced myself and the rest is history

What do you think audiences will take away from this production? Audiences should take away a sense of astonishment for the subject matter. The cultural climate of this show mirrors that of today eerily. I’m certain many people will see the parallels.

Shatter deals with a major event in Canadian history that Canadians today might not know too much about. Are there any other major events in Canadian history that you feel we should know more about that we do? Until I joined onto this show I didn’t know of this event either so it’s been very interesting and exciting learning about the times as we go into this more. There is a lot of Canadian history that gets glossed over and that we forget as we get out of school, an event that I have been attracted recently is the creation and spread of the Canadian Pacific Railway until 1885.

Meet the Cast of SHATTER – Stuart Old is a Shadow!

What is your role in this production? I am an actor in the chorus of “shadow” characters that Josh incorporated in the production. The chorus serves to heighten the storytelling and action of the play, but, in addition, we all created individuals who lived in Halifax during the events portrayed. The backstory of my character is that of “Alfred”, a Nova Scotian of Irish heritage who made his living in Halifax as a fisherman while indulging a secret, poetic nature.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I first experienced stage performance in high school. After nearly a decade working as a tradesman, I returned to theatre, being accepted into the Theatre Performance and Creation program at Red Deer College in 2015. I completed the program this spring and moved to Edmonton. This is my first production with Walterdale!

What brought you out for this production? Even before I moved to Edmonton, I knew Walterdale by reputation. When I learned that Walterdale would be producing Shatter, it struck me right away as something I would be proud to be a part of!

Why do you think people should come and see this show? What do you think audiences will take away from it? Audiences will experience the story through the eyes of the ordinary Canadians who woke up in Halifax on the morning of December 6, 1917. These were people experiencing love and friendship, hopes and doubts, never suspecting what would happen to them. They will witness the struggle of the survivors to overcome the wounds to their bodies and souls. This story resonates today. It is difficult to rebuild, to preserve what is honest and decent, to resist the desire to lash out in revenge. It is vital to reflect that even in our safe and prosperous country, sudden tragedy can challenge us to our cores. Finally, the play has many beautiful moments of laughter and affection in defiance of tragedy.

Shatter deals with a major event in Canadian history that Canadians today might not know too much about. Are there any other major events in Canadian history that you feel we should know more about that we do? The 1837 rebellions in Ontario and Quebec forced the British to introduce democracy in Canada by making our government here responsible to our parliament, not to the British monarch. These rebellions not only redefined Canada’s government, but those of Australia and New Zealand as well! They also provoked an explicit project to assimilate the French people of Canada. Pretty important for nearly-forgotten history!

Meet the Team for SHATTER – Jordan Campion is the Stage Manager

What is your role on this production? I am the stage manager for Shatter. The way I usually explain my role to people is a behind the scenes HQ. Myself along with our assistant stage manager, Becky, are the eyes and ears in the rehearsal hall. We connect the artistic side of the process that Josh is going through with the reality side which is our amazing designers and technicians actually making it happen. We also make schedules along with the director and production manager and communicate with actors. Usually that ends up looking like endless e-mails and schedule making. During the show the ASM is backstage taking care of props and costume as necessary and I’m in the booth calling lighting and sound cues.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? This is my first Walterdale show! I got to know Josh and Bethany while working on Sweeney Todd in the spring and I jumped at the chance to work on this show. I have been working in theatre for almost my whole life. My dad is a musician and carpenter so I often would help him set up shows and build things. In junior high I helped build and design sets and acted as an ASM. Then in high school I started Stage Managing and immediately fell in love with the job. I completed a year of the BFA Stage Management but decided I wanted to focus more on education so I’m currently transferring into a BEd. However, I still work on a number of things around the city and continue to stage manage.

What brought you out for this show? Josh and Bethany are both amazing creative people so I was so excited to work on any team that they were a part of. I thought it was really important to showcase young faces at Walterdale which Josh and I absolutely are. We are also both First Nation and I love the idea of having two big roles on a production team being filled by aboriginal individuals. We both feel that aboriginal presence in theatre and art is really important and has so so much to offer. On top of all of that the script and cast are just so brilliant. I really couldn’t say no!

What do you think audiences will take away from this show? Why should they come and see it? I think that this show offers so much more than just a historical representation of an event. Audience members will be able to relate so so much to the characters on stage. Whether it be audiences thinking about their own coming of age story or what pushed away from naive innocence or audiences thinking about raising kids and seeing that all happen it’s really relatable. Also just the idea of the evolution of relationships and friendships is something everyone can understand. It’s a lot of highs and lows and everyone can relate to that in some way. I also think that a lot of our principals are strong females and that’s super important. As a young female in this industry it’s so great to see complex strong females on stage that are real and imperfect and unique and just their own person.

Shatter deals with a major event in Canadian history that Canadians today might not know too much about. Are there any other major events in Canadian history that you feel we should know more about that we do? For me Indian Residential Schools are something that I think we’ve just started to really understand and dissect as a country. I’ve been privileged enough to do some work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and it’s always so unreal to me that people still don’t know a lot about it. I think there’s still a long way to go in understanding inter-generational trauma and how to move forward cohesively.

Meet the Creative Team of SHATTER – Josh Languedoc is the Director!

What is your role on this production? I am the director of Shatter.

Is there a quote from the play that speaks to you? Why? I keep returning to the final line in the show: “Oh…well….we all do our part.” It seems simple, but to me, this line is both a strong message of empowerment, but it is also a call out on dangerous behaviour we have as a society. Throughout the arch of this play, we see incredible tensions between friends and strangers as mistrust builds through the social circumstances surrounding the tragedy. So, on one hand, we need to recognize we have a power in the face of tragedy. That power is in coming together, supporting one another, and never losing hope. That is the part we must play when faced with tragedy. However, on the other hand, we also do our part in adding to the tension that comes with tragedy. We tend to look for a source to blame and we tend to foster division rather than acceptance.. So, we as a society can add greatly to the negativity to a situation if we choose to push people away and divide rather than accept.

Why should audiences come see the show? Even though this tragedy took place 100 years ago, the cautionary message in this play is currently relevant to the state of our world. All across the United States, and extending here in Canada, numerous debates have occurred over how to handle issues of terrorism, mistrust, and the political climate. This play does an incredible job of capturing the drama individuals face when a tragedy occurs. Who do we really trust? Who are our real friends? What should we do to keep ourselves safe? Is it reminding ourselves we will be OK? Do we take shelter in our lover? Or do we build a wall and protect us from the dangers? All of these questions are explored in the drama of the play, and I feel this play will provide audiences with an incredible sense of emotion as we explore these questions together. Especially by recognizing the dangers we can place ourselves in by going the mistrust route.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I have been onstage since the age of 5. Theatre has very much remained in my life since that age. Currently, I work as a theatre educator for the Citadel Theatre, Edmonton Public Schools, Black Gold Schools, Workshop West Playwrights Theatre, Kompany Family Theatre, and in my own company, KidLibs Theatre. I’m also a professional improviser with The 11 O’Clock Number (Grindstone Theatre) and with KidLibs Theatre.. Plays like Shatter also inspire me as a playwright. Currently, I am the Playwright in Residence at Workshop West Playwrights Theatre, and am writing several plays for different theatre companies, including Native Earth Theatre and Kompany Family Theatre.

At the Walterdale, I have performed as an actor in 3 shows. I played Art Milligan in The Male Order Bride, and was part of the general ensemble in Walterdale’s musical productions of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and The Three Penny Opera.

What do you hope that audiences will take away from the show? Honestly, I just want audiences to feel the emotional weight of this tragedy. Through the drama of the main characters, the full sense of uncertainty and anger associated with this tragedy is felt. I want audiences to see themselves in these characters – would I change the way Anna does within this tragedy? Would I feel like Jennie if I experienced what happened to her? Would I be proud in my tactic if I were in Brian’s shoes? Would I be like Elsie and remain hopeful in the presence of extreme tragedy? And then, which of these characters gives us any insight in how to handle these types of tragedies?

Interview by Stephanie O’Neill

Meet the Cast of A DOLL’S HOUSE – Marsha Amanova is Mrs. Christine Linde

What is your role in this production? I am playing the role of Mrs. Christine Linde, a widow and childhood friend of Nora’s. Christine has returned to town, looking for work, after a decade of caring for her infirm mother and younger brothers. She is pleasantly surprised to find that her old flame, Nils Krogstad, is here and a widower himself. Christine is an independent woman who values honesty and hard work and wants to be useful. She adores Nora, and even though the two of them have led very different lives, Christine is a true friend who only wants the best for Nora.

What is your background at Walterdale? A Doll’s House is my 10th show (as an actor) at Walterdale. The first was Cyrano de Bergerac (also directed by Alex Hawkins) in 2004. I have also directed two From Cradle to Stage productions here and was a member of the Board of Directors for 4 years.

What brought you out for this show? Why did you want to become involved? I really enjoy performing in period pieces, and having studied Ibsen’s work in school, I thought it would be a great learning opportunity. I’ve also had wonderful experiences in the past, working with Alex Hawkins and the incredible production team. Alex is a talented director and an excellent teacher, and I always learn something from him, and the design team always creates a work of art that I feel privileged to perform in and on.

Photo Credit: Kristen Finlay

Featuring Marsha Amanova & Nicole English (in background, Tim Marriott)

Meet the Cast of A DOLL’S HOUSE – dale Wilson is Dr. Rank

What is your role in this production? The good doctor, a long time friend of the Helmers, seems a curmudgeony sort dedicated to the family.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I’ve been performing on Walterdale’s stage for going on 27 years as well as various stints on other stages. I used to do a lot with the U of A MFA directing candidates, that was like a master class every time. I’d like to do more of that.

What brought you out for this show? This presented the chance to work with a lot of people I’m familiar with on and off stage and I’d been curious for some time about doing an Ibsen piece so it seemed a good fit. Besides the fact that it may be the only ancient role in the season

What do you think audiences will take away from the show? If one only takes away that you have to treat people well as in, thinking as much about them at least as much as yourself, we’ll have spent a merry evening together.

Money is a big issue in this play. Got any funny stories about money? The only story I have about money is I don’t have nearly enough of it and there ain’t nothin’ funny about that.

Photo Credit: Kristen Finlay
Features: dale Wilson as Dr. Rank, and Nicole English as Nora

Meet the Cast of A DOLL’S HOUSE – Tim Marriott is Torvald!

What is your role in this production? I play Torvald, the husband of Nora. Torvald has just received a promotion in the bank where he works, and this new position is very important to him. He and Nora have been married for eight years and to others their home is “lovely and peaceful”. Torvald is concerned about appearances, but if anyone asked he would say that he and Nora have very successful and loving marriage,

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I have been around Theatre in Edmonton all of my adult life. This year is forty years since my first involvement with Walterdale.

What brought you out for this show? Why did you want to become involved? I think the play explores very effectively the difference between people’s assumptions about their world, and its reality. This is a very intriguing examination of this theme, in a compelling drama focused upon male/female, husband/wife relationships.

What do you think audiences will take away from the show? I think a modern audience will see this 19th century play as being very contemporary.

Photo Credit: Kristen Finlay
Photo features: Tim Marriott as Torvald and Nicole English as Nora.

Set Designer – Joan Hawkins
Costume Designer – Geri Dittrich
Lighting Designer – Richard Hatfield