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The Citizen, 1990-06-27, Page 27THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 1990. PAGE 27. Stratford’s Macbeth leaves audience restless BY BONNIE GROPP Macbeth: Shakespeare’s “Dyn­ asty”. A story of power, greed, treachery, revenge and murder so intense its very name conjures images of foreboding. Stratford Festival’s production of this classic work offers a stellar cast of performers, but few surprises. One exception may be the opening sequence of a surrealistic dance symbolizing battle. Directors David William and Robert Beard set the mood right at the beginning - dark and menacing mood that predicts the tone of the tragedy. The set design by Debra Hanson and subdued lighting designed by Harry Frehner all add to the stark, dismally dramatic scope. There is none of the opulance often associ­ ated with Stratford’s productions, it is Shakespeare as Shakespeare intended but somewhere it doesn’t work. The cast of heavy weights is led by the enigmatic Brian Bedford, a powerful actor, who made an unforgettable Shylock last year in Stratford’s Merchant of Venice. Bedford, in the role of the tortured, power hungry Macbeth often seems a little bewildered. While he is nonetheless a commanding pre­ sence on stage his Macbeth does not have the impact that other characterizations have. Lady Macbeth played by Goldie Semple is a shrew, and one finds it difficult to believe that she would ever suffer remorse over the act of murder or its consequences nor the evil she and her husband were part of. There was little to make me feel empathy or sympathy for her as the tragic heroine. Nicholas Pennell, who played Antonio last year in Merchant, was an understated Banquo. He neither stood out for an impressive perfor­ mance nor for an embarrassing one. Though Pennell is a strong actor, he always seems to hold back, seems to be detached emo­ tionally from the character he portrays. Scott Wentworth, puts energy and passion into Macduff, the man who topples Macbeth. A versatile actor he also appears in Stratford’s musical production of Guys and Dolls. There is no bright side to Macbeth, and audiences probably don’t expect it. Shakespeare intro­ duced a porter in Act 2 to add a little brevity and for their part the directors attempted to lighten cer­ tain scenes, but Macbeth was duction lagged and the performers could not hold the audience in their grip. For my part, I left the theatre feeling just a little cheated. W. Wawanosh history writers have mystery West Wawanosh History book coomittee has come up against another blank wall in its search for stories and facts about the town­ ship and its people. St. Augustine had a rifle club much like rifle clubs held all over the Ontario countryside at the turn of the century. When the crops were off in the fall and before spring planting, the local fellows would get together and do a little If you have a little treasured tidbit of information please don’t hesitate to share it and get it included in the first history book on West Wawanosh township. Call June Robinson 529-7780. The West Wawanosh Township history committee meets the last Tuesday of every month in the township council chambers at 8 p.m. The audience was restless through­ out; you could hear the endless wriggling and shifting, the rustling of papers. Despite the potential of its forceful performers, the pro- never meant to be anything but dark, and can be powerful in its intent. While it did pick up considerably in the second act Stratford’s production was lacking. Plotting Goldie Semple as Lady Macbeth tries to convince Macbeth (Brian Bedford) that they should try and put the murder they committed behind them or it will drive them mad. The classic Shakespearean tragedy is being performed at the Festival in Stratford. target practice complete with trophies and, of course, write ups in the local paper. There are some committee members who remem­ ber parents talking about the club and the competitions held complete with trophies. In back issues of the Goderich Signal Star researchers have read that the St. Augustine club started in 1910 at a farmer’s meeting with 25 members. In 1912 the Huron County Fall Shoot was held Sept. 30 with 15 clubs compet­ ing. St. Augustine placed third, just 11 points behind the Dungann­ on club and two points behind the Colborne Club. The committee would like to recognize the work and good times of the club and would appreciate any information anyone would have about membership, pictures, or a note about the type of contests they would have. Crime Stoppers Crime of the Week Crime Stoppers and the Ontario Provincial Police are seeking your assistance to help solve this break and enter. On February 1 of this year, a woman returned to her Colborne Township farm house after shopp­ ing. Upon entering the home, she noticed her television and several other valuable household items, had been moved. Entering the kitchen with her groceries, two men suddenly came running out of a bathroom. When she reached for the phone to call police, the second man pulled the phone from her hand. Both escaped without any of the household items. One man is described as 20-25 yrs. old, longish blonde hair, slight build and wear­ ing blue jeans. The victim was able to help a police artist prepare a composite drawing which is seen here. The suspect is 20 to 25 years old, 5’2” to 5’3”, slight build, short dark hair and a tanned complexion. He was wearing a light navy blue jacket and blue jeans. The pair left the scene in a medium blue, older car. If you have information about this or any other serious crime call Crime Stoppers of Huron County toll free at 1-800-265-1777. You will never have to say who you are and you will never have to go to court. If an arrest is made you will earn a cash reward. Crime Stoppers pays between $50 and $1,000 in re­ wards. Do your part to help solve a crime. Call Crime Stoppers now! We would like to extend a sincere thank you to Blyth and surrounding communities, to our volunteers, partici­ pants, judges, donors, sponsors and everyone who gave of their time to make Blyth’s First Annual Rutabaga Festival a smashing success. Without your commitments this event would not have been possible. Blyth Rutabaga Festival Committee & 'Doc TARA PARKER & MURRAY PIPE FRIDAY JUNE29TH1990 B.M.&G. Community Centre Tickets $5.00/ Person 9p.m.-1 a.m. [age of majority only] HOWARD & ALICE Love Wendy & Gary tl>e Blyth 1W 523-9381 Weekend Specials THURS..FRI.&SAT. 5:00P.M.-MIDNIGHT BUY ONE & GET ONE FOR 1/a PRICE CHICKEN B CHIPS DINNER FRIDAY&SATURDAY 5:00P.M.-8:00P.M. BUY ONE & GET ONE FOR Yz PRICE 1/2 PRICE SPECIALS APPLY TO EAT-IN OR TAKE OUT ORDERS ENTERTAINMENT RETURNS Join us Friday and Saturday night 9-1:00a.m. “THE WANDERER’’