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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-06-29, Page 5BLYTH FESTIVAL SALUTE, JUNE 29/30, 2005, PAGE 5 Speaking of history Shawn Kerwin, designer of The Ginkgo Tree will regularly since that time. She is now an honorary artist at the Festival. This year she designed the set and costumes for the opening production of the Festival, The Gingko Tree. Spirit of the Narrows, which she designed for last season, will return to wrap up the season. She continues to work at Blyth despite a hectic schedule as head of the theatre program at York University as well as designing for productions in Toronto. She was recently nominated for a Dora Mavor Moore Award, the top award in Toronto theatre, for her costume designs for Sr. Christopher. She also designed two George F. Walker shows at Factory Theatre before coming to Blyth. For reviews on Blyth Festival shows after they have opened check: www. northhuron. on.ca reminisce on long history at opening night dinner Shawn Kerwin will take on a totally different role at the Blyth Festival when she is the guest speaker at the gala opening dinner for the 31st season. June 30. Kerwin has been involved with the Festival for many of those seasons as a designer of sets and costumes. She brings a unique perspective to her role as speaker. In 1977 she recalls painting sets outside, near the arena and having flies stuck in the paint. It was a time when there was no backstage or no set construction shop as there is now. “It was a lot less sophisticated." Kerwin said in an interview in 2001. Kerwin has been coming back Seat ‘Ulisfits to- tAe Heitiual an 31 d S-easait Midnight version that began it all revived HOME HARDWARE BUILDING CENTRE Gorrie, ON NOG 1X0 Phone: 519-335-3551 Fax: 519-335-3427 Toll Free 1-877-335-3551 Continued from page 2 play to go into the marketplace. He has certainly earned that kind of recognition." Finally., by the time one has reached middle age, parents are generally there to offer continued support and periodically remind of what's better or more important. Having heard Roulston mention his preference for the original production of Peter Colley’s I'll Be Back Before Midnight, which Adrian Churchill and Suzanne Roberts Smith rehearse a scene from the comedy The Ginkgo Tree. premiered at Blyth in 1979 rather than the altered, more familiar, script, Coates contacted Colley to get a copy. Coates liked what he read. “I don’t know why the specific changes were made, but the popular version does have a much more surprising twist. However, it robs me of an important connection with the characters. It doesn’t make me feel better about someone winning, but rather like everyone’s lost. With the original I know distinctly where my sympathies lie.’’ “As an overall comment of Peter’s theme on the fear of the unknown, the original is much more clever at hitting that on the head.” Coates has been preparing to direct Midnight by watching Hitchcock films. "I’ve never been a student of gothic. But I can really see where his influence is. Rather than resolving neatly it leaves you wide open for the sequel,” he chuckles. “It leaves the possibility of this terror continuing, the audience hungering for more.” And can we expect, like Hitchcock, a director’s cameo? “1 could be the ghost,” Coates laughs. “But no, this year you’ll only see me as the one haranguing the audience at the beginning of each performance. Stirring up support for those ‘babies’ on stage. Just like any good parent. Grand View Restaurant Owned & operated by Randy & Eleanor Babcock along with daughters Kim & Kerry, since February 15, 1986. Well known for good coffee and delicious homemade pies and cheesecakes made by Eleanor and her parents in the restaurant kitchen. Daily specials include a choice of large or small portions, (You'll want to save room for dessert). Fast, friendly service. Eat in or take out. New this year: Ask about boxed picnic lunches. Open 7 days a week. Mon. - Sat. 5 a.m. - 8 p.m. & Sun. 7 a m. - 8 p.m. 523-4471 Corner of London Rd. and Blyth Rd., 3991 7 Blyth Rd., Blyth PIPIPIPIPPPPI pg p| PIPI W Congratulations on another great season! Looking for a Jeweller that you can Trust Looking for a Jewellery Store that's Friendly Looking for Quality jewellery at reasonable prices... Party Supplies • Joke Cards •‘Gifts • Adult Novelties • Look no further than Gemini Jewellers We offer an extensive jewellery and diamond collection, mixed with unique gifts for all occasions. Our on-site jewellery repair department offers quick, skilled and guaranteed work. <\GeMINI J EWELLERS .AND GIFT STORE 132 Main St. W., Listowel 291-3661 "avid Hicks Owner We also have an excellent Gift Selection and offer Free Gift Wrapping