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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 1987-07-29, Page 14Page 14—Lucknow Sentinel, Wednesday, July 29, 1987 'Bush Fire' for those who thrive on suspense BY YVETTE ZANDBERGEN Laurie Fyffe's "Bush Fire," a true story of murder that took place in the settlement of Perth in 1828, is worth seeing -for those who thrive on suspense and surprises. It had its opening night Tuesday, July 21 at the Blyth Festival. The story opens with Abigail Richardson, a young wife and mother who, through flashbacks, tells the story. On the night of December 8, 1828, a fire broke out in the cabin of Thomas Easby. Easby's wife, Ann and four of their five children died as a result. It was thought to be an accident until Thomas Easby was ar- rested and charged with murder. What eventually unfolds is a tale of mystery.The characters realistically repre- sent a picture of a small farming communi- ty where close-knit ties are not uncommon and rumours are ever-present. Abigail, a role played by Karen Barker, is the main link to the tale. She tells the story through flashbacks while waiting for her husband to come home. The transitions from present to past are done smoothly, giv- ing the play a sense of continuity. The most amusing character in "Bush Fire" is Agnes Tullis played by Lorna Wilson. She is a wise old woman who tips the bottle often and dabbles in spells and curses. Although others rarely pay heed to her, her comments and brief appearances add some comic relief to the drama. Martha Irving plays the character of Ann Easby, the young wife and mother who was killed in the fire. She was called "a fallen ,woman" in the play and her behaviour is questioned by most. A close friend of Ann's was Abigail's mother, Constance Richard- son, played by Laurel Paetz. When they are together, a sense of friendship is evident and the amiable personalities of both women are stressed. Peter Smith plays the role of Andrew Richardson, husband and father of Con- stance and Abigail. He is portrayed as a hard working and honest man whose main priority is his family. Andrew's friend and confidant is coroner William Matheson, played by Neil Foster. He is not a primary figure in the first half of the play but his character becomes significant as his profes- sional abilities are questioned. The three remaining characters of "Bush Fire" are store owner Clarence Caldwell, played by Wayne Nicklas, Abigail's childhood friend Martin H. Balderson played by Greg Spottiswood, and the Crown Attorney, Mathew Haggart, played by David Marr. Although they are minor characters, their roles round out the play by "A reference to Focal services at your fingertip" Chisholm Fuels � SUNOC DISTRIBUTORS 0 DISI RIBUTORS LUCKNOW Phone 529-7524 or 524-7681 Furnace Installations Wood -Oil Combination Furnaces Burner Service - Propane Filling Station PRODUCTS FOR FARM: HOME & INDUSTRY THIS SPACE RESERVED FOR YOUR ADVERTISING CALL 528-2822 COWAN PRINTING LUCKNOW 528.2730 GENERAL PRINTING AND OFFICE SUPPLIES MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral Homes All families are served with the utmost respect and digni- ty. For pre -arranged funeral information contact us at any time. R.C. MacKenzie & J. MacKenzie Lucknow 528-3432 A member of Associated Funeral Directors Service Pegg Construn RESIDENTIAL - AGRIC TURAL • Homes *Cottages • Farm Buildings Aluminum And Vinyl Siding, Replacement Windows And Doors. Barn Steel And Hardware TOM PEGG 2141 1141111, ALCAN 528-3720 THIS SPACE RESERVED FOR YOUR ADVERTISING CALL. 528-2822 R.W. Bell Optometrist GODERICH The Square 524-7661 Cal Burke Electric Ltd. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS APPLIANCE & REFRIGERATION SERVICE &WsALL MAKES SALES & WARRANTY SERVICE Call Toll Free 1-800-265-3025 41 Years Built by Quality and Service Open 6 days a week. WINGHAM 3572450 giving the audience variety and information and in some cases, injecting a bit of humor. Clarence Caldwell, the busy -body store owner, portrays a small community gossip monger who would like to see Easby hung. Abigail's friend Martin is a child with nor- mal childhood curiosity. He adds a light ele- ment to the play with his humourous com- ments and occasional naivety. Matthew Haggert, Crown Attorney, is determined to find the truth through his questioning of the witnesses in Easby's trial. He grabs the audience's attention with his commanding performance. The most important character, Thomas Easby, is not seen in the play. Even during the trial we are reminded of him through the witnesses which leaves a feeling of curiosity in who Easily really is. What type of person would kill his wife and children if in fact, he did. Since Easby is not seen, it is up to the viewers imaginations to decide what kind of person he is. This enhances the production by making the audience rely on accounts from others to determine their image. They receive a cross-section of opinions ranging from Mrs. Tullis' calling him a "beast from hell" to the unbelieving opinion of Andrew Richardson. A unexpected twist in "Bush Fire" will take the audience by surprise. As the play unfolds the pieces fall together answering all questions and revealing a deep secret. Congratulations to our Ontario Scholars Steven Murray, 18, is the son of Gerald and Nancy Murray, RR 1, Holyrood. He will at- tend the University of Waterloo this fall and study civil engineering in the co-op honors program. At F.E. Madill last year, he was a member of the "Reach for the Top" team. He also played hockey for the Wingham Junior C Ironmen. Kelly McBride, 19, is the daughter of George McBride of RR 5, Lucknow. In September, Miss McBride will be atten- ding University of Waterloo where she has been accepted for the chartered accoun- tancy option in the co-op math program. Linda Van Osch, daughter of Antone and Delores Van Osch of Lucknow, p ans to at- tend the honor arts program at Sir Wilfred Laurier come fall where she'll major in English. Linda graduated as an Ontario Scholar this spring from F.E. Madill High School, Wingham and is working in Kit- chener for the summer. Susan Meyer, 19, is the daughter of John and Kini Meyer, Holyrood. Miss Meyer will attend the University of Toronto this fall where she will study arts and sciences. Eventually, she plans to pursue the career of a lawyer. Dan Gilchrist, is the son of Bob and June Gilchrist of RR 5, Lucknow. He plans to at- tend the University of Waterloo in September, taking the honors mathematics and computer science pro- gram. Last year Mr. Gilchrist played Junior C hockey for the Wingham Ironmen.