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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1993-08-18, Page 2Stephen Oulmette (lett) and Edward Atienza play a pair of foppish quack doctors in the Stratford Festival's The Imaginary Invalid. Review Imaginary Invalid still a hoot after 300 ,yars By Adrian Harte T -A Editor STRATFORD - Seventeenth century French comedies seldom ap- pear on playbills these days. When they do, it's worth going along - to see what all the fuss is about. Moliere's The Imaginary Invalid (La inalade imaginaire) arrives on Stratford's Festival stage this summer as something well worth seeing. Fortunately, the Festival's costumers and set designers have resist- ed the temptation this time around to "update" the play and set it out of period. This production is historically accurate and is nue to Mo1i re's day. As in any comedy we have young lovers who wish to get married, Ang6lique and Cleante. In their way is Angdlique's father Argan, a hypochondriac who would rather see his daughter marry a doctor. Doctor's of the 1600s knew comparatively little about medicine. Their "remedies" had more in common with magical potions than anything we might recognize today. As his brother Beralde points out, Argan must be extraordinarily healthy to be able to withstand the -constant medicines and enemas his doctors prescribe. While medicine is more of an exact science today, Molitre's ob- servations about putting one'srife in the hands of a profession that elevates itself by claiming secret knowledge, the use of latin double- talk, and holding a general disdain for the patient still hold today. The. audience still laughs at the parallels between seventeenth centu- ry quackery and the arrogance of modem medicine. The Imaginary Invalid is still a delightfully funny, and relevant play. Evea ifshelquacks are gone, hypochondria is still with us, and fathect still fetal the reseal ictintrode in their children s lives. William Hutt turns in a standing -ovation quality performance as Argan. He not only brings out the crusty nature of the hypochondri- ac, but also makes him a lovable, if misguided, father. SheilaiNcCanhy is delightful as the scheming maid, Toinette, who carefully plots Argan's enlightenment. Monique Lund (also as Rose in Gypsy) plays Angelique: and al- most stealing the show are the performances of -Monsieur Diafoirus (Edward Atienza) and his son Thomas (Stephen Ouimette). Their pbnrayal of seventeenth century foppery doesn't fail to set the audi- ence's teeth on edge. The Imaginary Invalid plays at Stratford until October 16 and is cettairily worth a look as one of this sun- -es better come "s. 4 Page 2 $ Times -Advocate, August 18,1993 lucre -imp, Regional wrap up Town workers protest cuts GOI3ERIC H - Two Goderich town workers will ask an adjudi- cator to decide whether the town's plan for payroll cuts is fair to its employees. The provinces social contract legislation said wages of em- ployees making less than $30,000 must not be adversely affected, but Goderich workers maintain cuts to overtime and an • extended work week will affect employees below the cut off mark. At a special meeting held fast week, town staff from the parks department, water pollution con- trol plant and arena could not reach a compromise with coun- cil representatives at the meet -1 ing Budgets for overtime were cut in half as part of payroll deduc- tions of 5238,700 from 1993 to 1996, it was reported in the Goderich Signal -Star. Staff will receive time off in lieu of over- time pay whenever possible. At last Monday's council meeting, deputy reeve Bill Clif- ford said the concern is unfound- ed. "Overtime was never guaran- teed." Brussels passes property by- law ylaw BRUSSELS - A new property standards bylaw passed by Brus- sels village council August 3, will get immediate application, councillors decided. The new bylaw will be applied, against two properties, one on the main street where neighbors have been protesting the nm - down condition for years. The new bylaw was required, chief building official Paul Jo - sling told the North Huron Citi- zen, because the existing bylaw didn't allow village officials to go in and clean up a property if the owner didn't comply with a clean-up order, Under the previous bylaw vil- lage officials had to get a court order to clean the property and then apply costs to the tax bill. Beach cleaning effort aided BOSANQUET - A beach cleaning policy may soon be drafted for Bosanquet Town- ship. The issued was raised two weeks ago at council. A recent stone dumped black dirt along the shoreline at Ipper- wash Beach, it was reported in the Forest Standard. The unsightly mess kept some beach goers away from the beach to other locations along the lake. Council passed a motion ap- proving township support for the next major storm. Council also pledged to devel- op a policy for the 1994 season to deal with similar incidents that normally occur in the spring and fall. Mike Watt scores in Japan SEAFORTH - An Egmond- ville native contributed the tying goal in Canada's Bronze Medal hockey victory over Japan in the Pacific Cup, a national under 18 team competition in Yokohama, Japan. The Japanese had.. recaptured the lead in the semi-final game last Sunday, with a 2-1 score, when Mike Watt added Canada's second goal. Canada went on to win the. game 8-3. • Council still in a huff over convention expenses Continued 'from tont liege in the eno, council agreed to send its letter of concern to the police services board, in the hope they would pursue the matter further. The best way out of the whole mess, said Mickle, was to "get an OPP contract immediately". Another letter wilt be sent to the. Civilian Commission on Police Ser- vices, restating the town's request for a quick transition to OPP polic- ing. Will hearing restart?: Since the OCCPS hearing into the dispute be- tween the police board and the chief is scheduled to reconvene on September 8 before an OPP con- tract makes the dispute a moot point, Drummond said he hoped more could be heard on the issue. "My own feeling is this hearing should continue to its conclusion and a verdict reached....the people want to see a judgement made on who was- right and who was wrong," said Drummond. He said he realizes it will cosi more in legal fees, but has been told some ratepayers would prefer seeing the money spent. "We don't have a say in whether the hearing continues," said Shaw, adding that decision lies with the hearing` chairman Douglas Drink - waiter. Mickle said the OCCPS "missed the mark" in calling a hearing when the OPP costing procedure had al- ready begun. The excuse that a switch to OPP policing for Exeter nullified the hearing "isn't a valid reason -in light of what they've done so far". Shaw, a member of the police services board, said be couldn't comment on Mickle's observations. "NI have lots to say on this, once the hearing is over and the • OPP have taken over," promised Shaw. ':sem:.. }. }.�v:•><Jnti.\.. . v>i:•ii:�::i:�i> Non-smoking bylaw "Most people forget that non- smokers represent an over- whelming majority (75 per- cent) of the population.'" Dear Editor. Recently, the Huron County Health Unit has been working toward the establishment of a bylaw :that would restrict environmental tobacco smoke in litiz son County restaurants and public places.'Based4n our experience with local _municipalities, cony '� g the importance of such a bylaw is often a. ' tilt task. Locally, there is no consensus on the for smoking restrictions. Most people forget that non-smokers overwhelming majority (about 15 percent) of the population.-.Bor- example, .some restaurant proprie- tors are concerned about losing their smoking cus- -tourers, *fail to consider how many customers do not return or never come in because a smoke-free section does not exist. Aye need your help. We would like to hear from people who sire concerned .about the lack of non - 'Smoking areas in Huron County restaurants and pub- lic places. Please feel free to write me with your views. Thank you. - Sincerely, Dr. Maarten Bokhout Medical Officer of Health Huron County Health Unit Clinton Your. sten ..nuc "After a tharpdugh examination the doctor in- formed me it was a miracle" Dear Editor: On Friday August 6, I, my two year old son Rob- ert and 5 year old daughter, Katie had gone as usual .lathe local food store for our weekly purchases. We had managed to muddle through as most .Moms do when things had taken a bizarre turn. My son Rob- ert had made, friends with a small child in the wait- ing line. The child's mother having only a couple of items, checked out with my son meandering with them and out the door. I immediately took my daughter and went in pursuit. We retrieved him and upon re-entering the store, my son in my arms, had just nicely gone through the second set of doors, I then looked down at my side, no Katie.As all mothers do, I turned to say to my dadghter "Come on now don't be so slow'. To my horror the door had become unhinged flipped with the opening and had sandwiched my 37 lb. daughter to the floor, screaming. Two box men after mishap quickly responded and lifted the door off. Upon my insistence an ambulance was called and my little girl sent off .to .the South Huron Hospital. After a thorough eaaminationnheDr. informed me it was a miracle. The glass and steel door weighed, he thought, '200 to 300 lbs. and all she had was a bruised.arm. I took my little girl home convinced her bruise would feel better with an ice cream cone. I, needless to say, hsill4t6strY leaden klepp that `- •night.•The following morning I called back to the establishment inquiring on the door. They informed me "that the door was previously broken, the bottom hinge was off and they had propped a large box of salt against it, thinking it was then safe. Your daugh- ter must have somehow moved it causing this to happen!! My daughter asked for this? The more I think, I cannot understand this reasoning. The store owner later called and offered a full apology for the inci- dent. .But there are two box boys to be thanked for their quick response and a female employee and of • course thank you God for my miracle. Grace A. Albiston, Crediton There is life outsMe of Exeter "I have given up believing this is a safe and beautiful town" Dear Editor: When someone in this "colourful" town walks down the street, a usual aura of safety arises among the atmosphere. Let's face it, Exeter is no crime - infested area like Toronto. One does feel comforta- bie walking or biking an evening out around our beautiful town. Sounds of children settling in their beds and parents sitting down for a night of relaxa- tion in front o the television is the usual scene. But an odd thing occurred to me one night on my way home from a friend's house. It might be considered odd to some people, but normal td me. The night I am referring to is the night I was attacked on one of the streets in Exeter. Verbally attacked, that is. I can now hear your sigh and a whiff of relief as I mention the word "verbal". But a verbal attack can be as deadly as a physical attack, Especially after it happens repeated- ly. Imagine every time you step outside your house for that special walk, you get attacked. It builds a cage outside your house, doesn't it? Why step out- side and get assaulted? Why bother with the pain and embarrassment? Sure, in this instant, the logical advice is to ignore the screams of obscenities that tremble through your every bone. But can you real- ly ignore it? Day after day, walk after walk? Do you have any idea how it affects a daily life? Well, I must say that it does affect a life, tremendously. In fact, it could ruin it., just like a physical attack. Who are these horrific ones who commit such hei- nous acts? Which of the cynical "children all/nes- tled in their beds" escape their cocoon and attack the innocent? Stereotypically, the teenagers of this - once -angelic town comes to mind. It hurts me to verify this stereotype, but it is true. They seem to prey on the guileless, or the weak. When I was at- tacked, it is usually by someone I do not know. Then I question the ethics in this town. My father told me before 1 moved here two years ago that "the teenagers respect the adults". I find this highly un- true. 1 feel that some of the teenagers in this town are corrupting the very fabrics that call this town "peaceful" through their malicious and immoral ways. But who arc we to blame? The parents for poor child-rearing? the teenagers themselves? The police for not enough patrol or not even caring? Or maybe it's us, the victims, who "ask for it" by going for a simple walk, or a ride down to the variety store. For a town which is highly respected for its physical and social beauty, it is a disappointment. Not to sound condescending but I feel a change is in order. Before the verbal turns to a more physical as- sault. I have noticed much publicity about saying "no" to violence, or to drugs. What about harassment? Do children know the penalties of harassment? do they know what harassment means? I have work with children and it surprises me what escapestheir lips. When the parents are confronted, thetr + to justify it by saying some other child has corrupted their ba- bies. Notice how the problem is not solved, but pushed aside until the same child, five years later, is standing trial for assault. In order to stop this prob- lem, people have to work together, not apart. I ask myself, what can I do to stop it? Keep walk- ing? Yell? Fight? When does g person draw the line? Does a knife have to be yielded into a person's throat? Does a bullet have to pierce a lung before a public response on verbal assault is enacted? These may be graphic examples, but they are reality. Try going for a walk someday. To those personally involved with trying to cor- rupt my life and life of others: I feel sorry for you. To feel so much anger and bitterness against one man (or woman) just because they are tall, black or obese is frightening. It makes me worry about what our Exeter youth is turning into. The youth that so many people are praising, are the same youth who arc found trying to harrass an elderly woman walk- ing down the street. Or a child who can be easily manipulated to join their crusade of control. Perhaps this is your child. I have given up believing this is a safe and beauti- ful town. People are becoming embarrassed, degrad- ed and afraid. Afraid of the assailants, and of their own anger towards these "children". I may have some nameless enemies who I have never wet be- fore, but I will always have the love and respect from my friends outside Exeter. Where we can all go for a walk and enjoy life. There is life outside Exeter, my adolescent assailants, and it is a glorious onc. Sincerely, Name with held by request, Exeter. No'ciowning, no kidding.... azavilma,-_3 SUPER SUMMER CLEARANCE SALE OFF All In -Store Summer Stock Also Many... EW BACK TO SCHOOL FALL FASHIONS From... 74• j O r Ii Ho ALL SNOWSUITS %OFF Main St Kidz i(Loie Seaforth ¢27.2320 • 4