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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1989-12-13, Page 26PAGE 26. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13r1989. Entertainment Writers come to Blyth to develop scripts New script Colleen Curran shows Peter Smith the script for the new play she’s working on as part of the Blyth Festival’s Winter Writers’ Retreat. The annual event gives writers a chance to develop new work with the help of directors and actors. There will be a reading of some of the scripts Saturday at the Festival’s Dinsley Street “Garage”. BY BONNIE GROPP Blyth Festival theatre-goers who have delighted in the works of playwright Colleen Curran in the past may have a new play to look forward to in the future. Ms. Curran, who has had three of her plays produced at Blyth, two of which were extremely successful commercially, is presently attend­ ing the writer’s retreat here. She is working on a new play called “Local Talent” which is part three of the Bayview trilogy. Its prede­ cessors were the popular “Cake- Walk” and “Miss Balmoral of the Bayview”. While all three plays take place in the Bayview Inn, the characters and situations differ, although Ms. Curran says that two of the people mentioned in “Cake- Walk” are in this new play. The purpose of the writers’ retreats (this is the sixth annual winter retreat for Blyth) is to provide the writers with a quiet, relaxing environment to work on their plays and to provide them with access to actors and directors. Actor Peter Smith, who was the Festival’s Associate Artistic Direc­ tor this past season explains that the workshop gives the writers an opportunity to explore themes and ideas in a positive environment. “All the writers have different demands and that’s okay,” he says. “Some writers may not request a reading until the last day of the retreat, while others may not ever ask for one. It is up to them,” Mr. Smith explains. “They are not facing any production deadlines.” Ms. Curran, who attended previ­ ous workshops for her plays, “Moose County” and Sacred Hearts”, describes the atmosphere of the retreat as a “wonderful environment”. “When I’m in Mon­ treal I’m alone. When I’m here I can be alone, too, but if I step out the door there is someone I can talk to to discuss my play and get input.” The actors can supply the writers with an opportunity to hear the words they’ve written. “You hear their voices and if there is a place that they question they might ask what you’re trying to say or how did you get from here to here. You realize what was clear in your mind but not in your script,” Ms. Curran explains. Mr. Smith adds, “It is still very much their play. We don’t try to change it. I have seen actors who suggest too much and that is unfortunate. It doesn’t happen at these workshops however, and that is good. The writer has to find his own peg or hook. The actors can’t force their ideas on him, but they are extremely capable in a drama­ turgical sense. A passively active role, could describe it I guess.” In addition to Ms. Curran’s script there are six other writers attending the workshop: Carol Sinclair, Deborah Kimmett, Laurie Fyffe, Robert Clinton, Dave Carley, and Bill Butt. The actors and New version of Christmas ballet at Kitchener The wonderful world of little Clara, queen of the Nutcracker celebration, returns to The Centre In The Square in Kitchener this Christmas. Inspired by the music of Tchaikovsky, the dancers of Ballet de Montreal Eddy Toussaint, with the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony present this enchanting Christmas fairy tale on December 12, 13, 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 16, at 2:00 p.m. The Nutcracker was written dur­ ing a snowy 19th century German winter by author E.T.A. Hoffman (1776-1882), and in today’s ver­ sions it usually is situated in St. Petersburg. But, contrary to the original This Christmas I want a store where I can buy unique, fabulous gifts... 1 mile south of Blyth on Hwy. #4 (519) 523-4595 Heritage holiday marked To those of Scottish origin, New the house is thoroughly cleaned. It Year’s Eve is Hogmanay. All debts is the most important celebration of are paid, all projects completed and ' the Scottish calendar, more so than directors in residence for the retreat are: Peggy Coffey, Katia de Pena, Donna Farron, Jerry Frank­ en, Paul Haddad, Katherine Kas- zas, Bob King, Mr. Smith, Cheryl Swarts, Lorna Wilson, and stage manager Crystal Salverda. “Everyone here is interested in Canadian theatre,” Mr. Smith stated. “What these writers are producing is an investment in our future. The energy here is positive and the plays the writers are working on are addressing not only issues familiar to Canada but issues that are universal concerns. We are coming to a spot (in Canadian theatre) where we’ll have more effect on things.” While the focus of the retreat continues to be the search for the perfect play for Blyth audiences, writers whose work is better suited to other theatres are included. In the past, some plays that have been workshopped have found their way into the season. This Saturday starting at 1 p.m. there will be a public reading of the plays in progress at the Dinsley Street Garage. story, which takes place during a children’s Christmas party, in Bal­ let de Montreal’s version, we are transported to a dance studio where the class before Christmas vacation is already in progress. After if finishes, and before the gifts are opened, the children are rewarded for their diligence by their teacher who allows them to - try on the Nutcracker ballet cos­ tumes. The children and Clara quickly become involved in their game­ playing and are led even further into fantasy land with the sudden arrival of councillor Drosselmeyer. The rest of the story is as the Continued on page 27 Christmas which was scorned by Scottish protestants until well into the twentieth century. Hogmanay will be celebrated with a traditional Ceilidh at Doon Heritage Crossroads on Friday, December 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Hall of Fame building. Traditional Hogmanay foods such as black bun, a raisin cake baked in a pastry shell and shortbread will be served. Shortbread is baked in a round with crimped edges to symbolize the rays of the returning sun. There will be Scottish dancing by the Blair Country Dancers and the Debbie Bartlett School of Scottish Dancing. Songs of Scotland will be performed by The Gaels, a family group from London, Ontario, and Stuart Balfour. Please pre-register for the Hog­ manay Ceilidh by calling 748-1914. NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE ATTHE B.M.&GCOMMUNITY CENTRE BRUSSELS DANCING9-1 $8. per person ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY Contact Steve Coulter 887-9289 Sponsored by Brussels Jr. C. Hockey Club Chauncey’s Hairstyling Blyth, Ont. 523-9722 ENTER CHAUNCEY’S CHRISTMAS DRAW ----------WIN------------ 1] Tressemme haircare products valued at $45.00 2] Manicure, Pedicure & Makeup valued at $40.00 3] “Special Kids Draw" for a bubble gum machine with bubblegum 4] 1 lucky individual will receive Free haircuts for the entire 1990 year 5] 10 suntanning sessions Don' t missour specials each week from now 'til Christmas on retail stocking stuffers. LOOK FOR OUR WEEKLY IN-STORE PERCENTAGE DISCOUNTS... With each “Hi-Hair" purchase you'll receive a complimentary brush SPECIAL NOTE: If you are a Chauncey's customer come in and fill out an entry for our Christmas Draw [no purchase necessary] Here's your chance to win with quality haircare and daily prizes. Draws to be made Dec. 19 - 23. Winners will be posted.