The Citizen, 2003-08-20, Page 23THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2003. PAGE 23.
Entertainment Leisure
s 4Washer\ a Celtic experience
Theatre review
By Sarah Mann
Citizen staff
A Celtic Tale
The Blyth Festival Young Company is performing The Washer at the Ford and Other Celtic
Tales in various venues throughout the area over the course of this week. In this scene the
Great Warrior (Arras Hopkins) finds a young doe (Emily Johnston). Enchanted, he takes her
home, she turns into a woman and becomes his wife. (Sarah Mann photo)
The June Hill Room at the Blyth
Festival was transformed into a
forest roamed by ancient Celts when
the members of the Young Company
previewed The Washer at the Ford
and Other Celtic Tales on Friday
afternoon.
The 13 young actors worked for
six weeks with ^ctor/director Gil
Garratt to create a professional
performance that promises to take
the audience on a magical journey
through the powerful world of the
Celts.
What’s that world without war and
the battle performed in this
production uses large sticks and
carefully choreographed steps to
create a chaotic-like atmosphere - no
blood or swords needed.
Movement is an important tool
and is used a lot in The Washer at the
Ford.' The actors make good use of
their bodies to create mesmerizing
scenes.
I’m not going to reveal the story
lines of the tales because a lot of the
fun for me was watching the story
unfold in front of my eyes for the
first time.
The performers proved they have
a wide range of abilities by playing a
tin whistle, guitar, or drum in one
scene to step-dancing in the next.
Besides playing more than one
character, actors also had the task of
transforming themselves into
animals such as deer. cows, and pigs
without looking foolish and they did
great lyrics that are also easily
related to the present.
One which stuck out for me was,
“Victory is hollow when deceit is
the weapon.”
The voices of the Young Company
come together wonderfully under
the direction of Garratt and co
ordination of Blyth native Capucine
Onn to create a chorus that leaves a
lasting impression. Three days later
and I’m still humming the tunes.
After watching this year’s Young
Company production, it is evident
that these young actors are acquiring
and honing the skills needed to
become great actors: creativity.
dedication, talent, individuality and
teamwork.
By using minimal and inexpensive
props, these 'actors use what they
have to tell a story clearly so the
audience can understand.
Their summer of hard work and
committment has paid off and the
Blyth Festival Young Company’s
production of The Washer at the
Ford and other Celtic Tales is
proof.
The Washer at the Ford and Other
Celtic Tales runs until Aug. 23,
including a tour of local towns. For
more information call 523-9300 or
visit www.blythfestival.com.
The music in The Washer at the
ford is beautiful with some really
The time it seems has
gone so fast,
It's hard to believe your
pre-teens have passed.
So happy 13'h birthday boy,
May your special day be
filled with joy.
Happy 13,h Ben
August 24
Stapps 90^ 'A
Siifctfiday,August 19
) Margaret Nesbit
August 24
Love your family
Love Mike, Shawn,
Chris, Matthew,
Mom and Dad
|| The Brubachers of Ethel
fR,e&tau>i.ant and fBahety-
REAL Home-cooked meals!
Come and try our cinnamon buns.
Mon. - Fri. 6:30 am 'til 7:30 pm;
Sat. 8:00 am - 6:30 pm; Sun. Closed
887-8659 in Ethel