The December Man (L’homme de décembre) is produced by arrangement with Kensington Literary Representation.
34 St. Andrew Street, Toronto, ON, MST l K6, kensingtonlit@rogers.com
The world premiere of The December Man (L’homme de décembre) was presented as part of the Enbridge play Rites Festival of New Canadian Plays 2007 at Alberta Theatre Projects, Calgary, Alberta
Walterdale Theatre would like to acknowledge that we are on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional meeting grounds, gathering place, and travelling route to the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene and Nakota Sioux. We acknowledge all the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries.
Walterdale Mission Statement
We are an Edmonton-based community theatre committed to the production of engaging and vibrant works and providing our member volunteers opportunities to participate in all aspects of theatre production.
Want to get involved with Walterdale?
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at stage management, acting, directing, or even media relations in theatre?
Walterdale Theatre has been successfully run by its volunteers for 60 years now, and we invite you to join our team. Whether you can donate a few hours or a few seasons, we are always looking for new volunteers to help grow our theatre.
The best way to get involved at Walterdale is to become a member today! You will receive news about shows, special events, opportunities to volunteer or audition, and discounts on tickets.
For more information about joining Walterdale, go to our website at www.walterdaletheatre.com, e-mail us at walterph@telus.net, or call us at 780-439-3058. We will get back to you!
Walterdale’s COVID Restrictions
- Keep your masks on at all times in the building
- Stay in your assigned seat throughout the performance (if you have to leave, you will not be re-admitted)
- Follow all instructions from our Front-Of-House volunteers
- Enjoy the show!
For more information regarding Walterdale’s COVID-19 response, please click here.
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
| Jean Émile Fournier | Filip Fufezan |
| Kathleen (Kate) Fournier | Christine Gold |
| Benoît Fournier | J. Nelson Niwa |
| TV News Reporter (voice) | Jennifer Robinson |
| Young Man, French Accent (voice) | Vincent Forcier |
| Young Man, English, Slight Accent (voice) | Pierre Valois |
| Male Police Representative (voice) | Eric Smith |
PRODUCTION TEAM
| Director | Alex Hawkins |
| Assistant Director, Production Manager, Stage Manager, Sound Operator, Video Operator, & Heavy Furniture Mover Gang | John Anderson |
| Costume Designer | Geri Dittrich |
| Lighting Designer, Builder, & Heavy Furniture Mover Gang | Richard Hatfield |
| Model Designer & Builder | Pierre Valois |
| Set Designer, Master Painter, Properties Master & Costume Assistant | Joan Heys Hawkins |
| Sound Designer, Assistant Stage Manager, & Foley Artist | Cassandra Duval |
| Theatrical Violence Consultant | Janine Waddell |
| Lighting Operator | Kateri Delong |
| Cat-ear Toque Knitter | Louise Mallory |
| Costume Assistant | Shelley MacKay |
| Interviewer | Jennifer Robinson |
| Props Assistant | Ed Medeiros |
| Poster/Cover Art Design | Jessika Clarke |
| Co-Directors of Publicity | Ed Medeiros & Christine Gold |
| Technical Advisor | Brad Melrose |
Director’s Notes
About two years ago, one of our Walterdale Theatre colleagues, Pierre Valois, approached me and asked whether I intended to submit a proposal to direct a play in the following season. After some discussions, then the onset of COVID, re-thinkings of the next season’s plays, indeed whether there would be a season at all, Pierre convinced me to submit a proposal for The December Man, by Canadian playwright Colleen Murphy. He believed that this play would be an excellent choice for Walterdale. After reading the play twice, I agreed.
The story of the play is based on a real-life tragic event — the December 1989 school shooting at the École Polytechnique in Montreal. A young man with a semi-automatic rifle, who was not a student, entered a classroom of about 50 male and 9 female engineering students. After firing a few shots at the ceiling, he told all of the male students to leave the room.
When the classroom door was closed, he denounced the women as feminists whose aspiration to get an engineering degree was unacceptable and offensive, since engineering is clearly a male-only profession. Then, he systematically shot the women dead. Then he exited the room, and roamed the halls and two other floors in the school, and shooting and killing another 5 women before he turned the rifle on himself.
The December Man is the story of one male engineering student named Jean Fournier, who is one of the men forced to leave the room prior to the shootings. Jean is obsessed by his failure to save the women’s lives, and by his survivor guilt that prevents him, and his mother and father, from moving forward with their lives.
I have been asked to say why I think The December Man is relevant to theatre audiences right now. I think that its relevance is obvious. There have been school shootings many times a year now for decades — shootings in night clubs, hair salons, massage parlors, movie theatres, elementary schools, and at a young people’s summer camp in Norway where 77 young students were summarily murdered.
We just have to open our eyes and our hearts to the fact that hatreds of all stripes have polarized many societies. And each time there is a mass killing by someone with a gun, everyone asks WHY? What could have motivated someone to do this heinous thing? What happens to the victims’ friends, families, members of their communities, when they find that there are no answers to their wonderings and pain? What happens to us all when we realize that there are not any answers at all?
— Alex Hawkins, Director
| Setting |
|---|
| All scenes take place in the Fournier’s living room. The action travels backwards in time, beginning March 1992 and ending December 1989. |
| Run Time |
|---|
| The play runs for approximately 90 minutes. No intermission. |
| Audience Advisories |
|---|
| Some heavy themes, including alcoholism, survivor’s guilt, depression, and suicide. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing suicidal thoughts or struggling with their mental health, please reach out to: Edmonton’s CMHA 24/7 helpline at: 780-482-4357 24/7 distress line to support with crisis intervention, suicide intervention, & emotional support Family Violence Info Line: 780-310-1818 24/7 support with navigating a DV situation. Available in 170 languages. Access 24/7: 780-424-2424 Urgent & non-urgent addiction & mental health services including service navigation, screening, assessment, referral, consultation, crisis intervention, outreach & short term stabilization. Family Centre: 780-900-6096 Free single counselling session. Either drop in or by appointment. |
Cast Biographies
J. Nelson Niwa – Benoît Fournier
After a stint performing British pantomime with Wyvern and Broken Wall Players (including one in 4” stilettos!), Nelson is pleased and honoured to return to Walterdale’s stage. He wishes to dedicate this performance to his daughter, Winry. As of showtime, she would have been a year and a half old.
Filip Fufezan – Jean Émile Fournier
Filip is so excited to be making his debut at Walterdale Theatre in The December Man. Some previous credits include Festival Players’ Singin’ in the Rain, Bev Facey’s 12 Angry Jurors, and Bring It On! Shout out to his family and friends who support him! Follow him @filipfufezan.
Christine Gold – Kathleen (Kate) Fournier This is Christine’s first performance with Walterdale Theatre. Previously, she performed at St. Albert Dinner Theatre, as well as the Fringe Festival in Edmonton. She has attended numerous acting and theatre schools, both in person and online. She lives in Edmonton with her husband, Jonathan, and cat, Gertrude.
Jennifer Robinson – TV News Reporter (voice)
This is Jenn’s sixth show with Walterdale. Over the past five years, she has taken on many roles, both on and off stage. Jenn is very excited to be a small part of this amazing show, and is so happy for the return of live theatre at Walterdale!
Jon Shields – Young Man, in French (voice)
Jon Shields is a Franco-Albertan theatre artist and drama teacher. Previous directing credits include, Cyrano de Bergerac, Amadeus, The Crucible, Ordinary People, Sweeney Todd, Songs for a New World. Jon will be remounting Brigadoon with ELOPE in 2022. He is pleased to lend his voice to this production
Pierre Valois – Young Man, English, Slight Accent (voice) & Model Builder
Pierre has missed the excitement and creativity of live theatre. He has been involved with Walterdale for 11 years, where he has designed and built sets, was a Board member, and even acted. Pierre would like to thank his wife, Parazanda, in supporting his obsession with turning lumber into sawdust.
Production Team Biographies
John Anderson – AD, PM, SM, Video Op, Sound Op, & Heavy Furniture Mover Gang
John is happy to be back in the theatre, working with his fellow theatre lovers and volunteers. This is his first time Stage Managing a show. Previous Walterdale credits include: 1984; The Light in the Piazza and The Attic, the Pearls and Three Fine Girls.
Kateri Delong – Lighting Board Operator
Kateri tried to get her start in theatre at Walterdale in 2020, but the pandemic prevented it from happening. She is excited about her second chance, working with this team as the show’s Lighting Operator.
Geri Dittrich – Costume Designer
Geri has been far too busy creating costumes for entertainers, theatres, festivals, schools, corporate events, and stiltwalkers, in and around Edmonton for many years . . . to write a decent bio.
Cassandra Duval – Sound Designer, ASM, & Foley Artist
Cassandra is excited to be back at the theatre! Past Walterdale credits include: 1984, A Doll’s House, and Bottled Up. When she is not at Walterdale, you can find Cassandra running around our wild metropolis, trying to tame its tropical greenery . . . or at home under a mound of cats.
Richard Hatfield – Lighting Designer, Builder, & Heavy Furniture Mover Gang
Richard has been working on shows at Walterdale and other theatre companies since 1991. In that time, he has Stage Managed, built sets, designed lights, and is also the current Co-Technical Director of Walterdale Theatre. May you enjoy the show as much as Richard enjoyed working on it.
Alex Hawkins – Director
This is Alex’s ninth Walterdale production. He is very pleased to be working with a talented team of actors, designers, and production crew. Previous Walterdale credits include: Cyrano de Bergerac, The Mail Order Bride, and Jennie’s Story.
Joan Heys Hawkins – Set Designer, Master Painter, Props Master, and Costume Assistant
Joan is grateful to the Walterdale Board and Administrator, the actors, the production team members, the front-of-house volunteers, and the audience members for their patience, perseverance, hard work, and amazing support of live theatre. It’s wonderful to gather and work in community again.
Janine Waddell – Theatrical Violence Consultant
A director and certified movement instructor since 1991, Janine is an internationally certified Advanced Actor Combatant with FDC and SAFDi, and a certified Actor Combatant with SAFD, BASSC and NSFS. She is a member of the Theatre Arts Faculty at MacEwan University and a Sterling nominated Fight Choreographer.
Acknowledgements
The December Man explores how the event of one traumatic day ruined the lives of not only the 14 women who died but the lives of those who were there but survived. With respect to the 14 women who lost their lives, we would like to say their names now to remind us all to cherish each life you meet. Regardless of their gender.
Geneviève Bergeron
Hélène Colgan
Nathalie Croteau
Barbara Daigneault
Anne-Marie Edward
Maud Haviernick
Barbara Klucznik-Widajewick
Maryse Laganière
Maryse Leclair
Anne-Marie Lemay
Sonia Pelletier
Michèle Richard
Annie St-Arneault
Annie Turcotte.
Walterdale would like to acknowledge the hard work of the cast and crew of The Mask, the show which was to be on stage in September of 2021, but due to scheduling conflicts and the pandemic had to be cancelled.
| Actor | Character |
| Kelsey Voelker | Lamia |
| Abigail LaForest | The Mask |
| Production Team Member | Role |
| Aksam Alyousef | Director |
| May Kharaghani | Assistant Director |
| Elizabeth Hobbs | Dramaturg |
| Bailey Ferchoff | Set Designer |
| Madeline Blondal | Costume & Lighting Designer |
| Bethany Hughes | Choreographer |
| Brooke Emberly | Master Painter |
| Adam Luijkx | Sound Designer |
| Richard Hatfield | Master Builder & Technical Advisor |
| Kahlan Oosterveld | Stage Manager |
| Michael Tilleard | Assistant Stage Manager/Sanitation Supervisor |
| Eric Rice | Production Manager |
| Davis Gauthier | Sound Operator |
| Louise Mallory/John Anderson | Co-Directors of Production |
| Geri Dittrich | Costume Design Mentor |
Edmonton Public Library
Scott Henderson & Henderson Images
Our Walterdale Board of Directors, particularly for all their efforts throughout the pandemic
Our Walterdale Relaunch Committee
All of the theatre volunteers outside of this production team that helped make this production and season happen
WALTERDALE THANKS OUR PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS
DONORS AND SUPPORTERS
Walterdale Theatre extends thanks to the generous support of local business, government grants, partners, and our patrons and members for their donations of time and funding. Without your support we could not continue.
We would especially like to thank all the subscribers, Flex Pass, and 6Pack ticket holders who donated the value of their tickets from the cancelled shows of the 2019-20 season to the theatre.
Benefactors ($1,000 plus)
The Cinders Fund at the Edmonton Community Foundation
Rapid Response Fund at the Edmonton Community Foundation
Champions ($500-$999)
AbleIT Inc.
Jan Streader
Supporters ($100-$499)
Anonymous
Patricia Luxford
Richard Hatfield
Julie Sinclair
Mike Harding & Don Zeman
Friends ($50-$99)
Pat Burden
Margaret Marriott
Judy Stelck
Barbara Winberg
Donors ($49 and under)
Vivian Binnema
Christine Gold
Sarah Winberg
If you would like to be a part of the Walterdale Theatre family of sponsors, contact our Administrator by e-mail or phone the theatre at 780-439-3058.
| WALTERDALE THEATRE ASSOCIATES Is a Canadian Registered Charity, and will provide you with an income tax receipt for any donation over $20.00 you wish to make. Thank you to everyone who supports our theatre! |
A Brief History of Walterdale Theatre and Building
Walterdale is one of the longest running community theatres in Canada.
Walterdale Theatre Associates traces its beginnings to Theatre Associates, who produced their first plays (Lady Audley’s Secret and Out of the Frying Pan) in August 1958, playing in the Jubilee Auditorium social room. Before finding its home in the current Fire Hall, there have been two other Walterdale Theatres. The first was an old school on the Walterdale flats (Kinsmen Fieldhouse area), hence our name. The second was a former service men’s club house, which was later demolished for Kingsway Garden Mall.
Our current building was built in 1910 and was Strathcona Fire Hall #1. In 1912 it was re-numbered Edmonton #6 when the City of Strathcona amalgamated with the City of Edmonton. The bell tower houses the Strathcona “Town Bell”. It is topped by an octagonal belfry, covered by an octagonal roof. The tower was used to dry hoses (by hanging them up) after use. The stable (now set-building workshop) was designed to house nine horses.
The building ceased to be a working Fire Hall in 1954 and was used to store furniture. In 1974 Walterdale Theatre Associates took over the building and lovingly restored it, and converted the inside to a 145-seat theatre. The first play produced in this theatre was What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton, which opened November 12, 1974.
Major renovations were again carried out in 1993 (raising the roof and tying the building together with new beams) and in 2011 (new main floor washrooms, renewing the bricks and other major outside work).
Walterdale continues to keep our building updated and efficient, and have replaced the lighting instruments with LED lights, and the aging second floor furnaces with new high-efficiency units.
Walterdale Theatre Board of Directors 2021-2022
Executive
Artistic Director – Monica Roberts
President – Sally Hunt
Vice-President – Anne Marie Szucs
Interim Treasurer – Alle DeMelo
Secretary – Jennifer Robinson
Past-President – Kristen M. Finlay
Directors
Building Director – Matthew Lindberg
Front-of-House Co-Directors – Alle DeMelo & Mary-Ellen Perley
Membership Director – Laura Eschak
Production Co-Directors – John Anderson & Louise Mallory
Public Relations Co-Directors – Christine Gold & Ed Medeiros
Technical Co-Directors – Richard Hatfield & Kahlan Oosterveld
Directors at Large – Jay Sanni & Anne-Marie Smyth
Front of House Volunteers
Front of House Directors
Mary Ellen Perley & Alle DeMalo
Front of House Committee Members
Volunteer Coordinator
Shelby Johnson
Box Office Manager
Anne Marie Szucs
Bar & Concession Manager
John Dolphin
A special and heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful volunteers for Front of House positions during the run of 1984!
John Anderson, Catherine Barker, Brenda Bell, Vivian Binnema, Bruce Brown, Rob Cauti, Mike Cooper, Anneliese Coutu, Alle DeMelo, Selena DeMelo, Michelle Deminick, L Eschak, Kristen Finlay, Erin Foster-O’Riordan, Taylor Howell, Michael Johnson, Sam Johnson, Shelby Johnson, Gordon Kent, Bob Klakowich, Jackie Lotery, Gerald Mason, Jacquie Mundell, Andrea Newman, Mary-Ellen Perley, Megan Reti, Heidi Ryll, Judy Stelck, Leland Stelck, Erin Slobodian, Anne Marie Szucs, Tess Willette, Dave Wolkowski, Xu Zhang (Sophia)
Written by: Brad Fraser
Directed by: Louise Mallory
Stage Manager: Hunter Luth
Onstage: December 8th – 18th, 2021
Acclaimed playwright and Edmonton native Brad Fraser (Kill Me Now, Love and Human Remains) wrote Five @ Fifty for all the “excellent middle-aged actresses who were having trouble finding parts.” When Olivia loses control at her fiftieth birthday party, her three best friends decide to intervene once and for all, much to the irritation of Olivia and her long-term partner Norma. But is she the only one battling a demon or does each of these women face an addiction of one kind or another?
Five @ Fifty is a raw and darkly comedic portrayal of turning fifty in contemporary society, and of the friendships we can’t live without. Premiered in 2011 at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, its Canadian premiere was in 2016 by Vancouver’s Ruby Slippers Theatre and Zee Zee Theatre.
