Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1992-07-29, Page 23Costumes decorate period piece BY BONNIE GROPP One of the many notable aspects of the Blyth Festival production of Raymond Storey's The Glorious 12th, is its wonderful period cos­ tumes. JULIA TRIBE Portrayal fitting tribute Continued from page 22 truly emphasizes the play's moral 'that you are only as old as you feel'. Costume designer Julia Tribe says that when she read the "beauti­ fully written" script she became very engrossed in this "wonderful" patriarchal family and the conflicts that arise within. Set in 1927 the play follows the story of a loyal Orange Order fami­ ly in the days leading up to the cel­ ebration of the annual July 12 Orange parade. Striving for authenticity, Ms Tribe did a lot of photo research before designing the costumes which were created in the Festival's wardrobe department. She visited the Loyal Orange Association in Toronto as well. "They were extremely helpful," she said. "They had heard of the script in a favourable light and were interested in being involved." They loaned the Festival the sashes and colours wom by the actors in the play. For footwear, Ms Tribe said she was very fortunate as Blyth Festi­ val has done a number of produc­ tions from this period, so she was able find what she needed in stor­ age. "A lot of establishing the peri­ od has to do with how one stands. An attitude expresses a great deal. I have often felt that you could do an entire show from the waist down," she says. Ms Tribe compliments Morris Ertman's innovative set design, say­ ing that its wood plank floor and beams helped highlight her work. "He let me play on his palette." Ms Tribe began working on the costumes for The Glorious 12th in April. The designs were finalized in May and completed a few weeks after she picked up residency. Now with her work at Blyth complete, she is presently working on cos­ tume and set designs for the Elora Festival production Florence, Lady With the Lamp. Some of the previ­ ous projects she has been involved with are Tyrant of Pontus with Theatre Passe Muraille and Democ­ racy at the Tarragon. Learning French makes a world of difference THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 29,1992. PAGE 23. Putting it together Sherri Milburn, at the sewing maching, and Karen Steele put the pieces together in Blyth Festival's wardrobe department. The sound, "designed" by Keith Handegord, was a special treat, consisting of what only could be called the best of the Beatles. The familiar songs, such as "Let It Be", "Blackbird", "She's Leaving Home" and "When I'm Sixty-four", served to heighten the moral dilemma in which Shirley feels herself entrapped. As Shirley Valentine concludes, Janet Wright raises her glass of wine to toast the woman Shirley has rediscovered. In discovering this new freedom on life, Shirley Valentine has grown spiritually to where Shirley Bradshaw exists no more. Janet Wright's portrayal is a memorable performance, a fitting tribute to those she's lost, and well acknowledge by the standing ova­ tion she received. Shirley Valentine is a hilarious comedy that is impos­ sible not to like. Graduation JENNIFER SOTTIAUX BERNARD Jennifer Bernard graduated from the Business * Administration Materials Management program at Conestoga College at the June 20 convocation ceremonies. Jennifer achieved the President's Honor List and was the recipient of the Canadian Association for Production and Inventory Control Student Achievement Award for excellence. Jennifer is presently employed with Allen-Bradley Canada Ltd. in Cambridge as a Material Planner. Jennifer is the daughter of Mrs. Dorothy and the late Bill Sottiaux of Londesboro and the wife of Marc Bernard of Guelph. Good seats still available The Blyth Festival has been so popular for so long that sometimes people take for granted there are no tickets available unless they’ve planned their night out weeks or months in advance. It isn't so! There are often tickets available for performances even on the day of the performance. So even if you haven't planned ahead, you can still enjoy the hits of the season. The Puff ’n’ Blow Boys by Valoreyne Brandt Jenkins "The celebrated southern Ontario institution whose dedication to new Canadian drama has made it one of the most important theatres in the country...It is genuinely committed to reflecting the history and culture of every region." Jamie Portman, The Toronto Star The Hometown Boy by Robert Clinton "The Hometown Boy is worth seeing. It is well paced, nicely executed by the cast, and offers a summer escape into Christmas." Rob Bundy, Goderich Signal-Star The Glorious 12th by Raymond Storey "Written and directed by Raymond Storey, The Glorious 12th is indeed a glorious production." Rob Bundy, Goderich Signal-Star Back Up and Push by Ted Johns "Johns convincingly, sometimes movingly, weaves the threads of intimacy that tie rural folk together". Robert Reid, Kitchener Waterloo Record Yankee Notions by Anne Chislett "The Blyth Festival's Yankee Notions is destined to be the hit of the summer theatre season." Rob Bundy, Goderich Signal-Star Reserve Today! Call 523-9300 BLYTH FESTIVAL