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WINNIPEG September 25, 2007 – Prairie Theatre Exchange marks its 35th season with Chimera, a new drama by Winnipeg favourite, Wendy Lill. The production’s three-week rehearsal period began today with the traditional meet and greet of actors and PTE staff and the first read through of the highly charged script.
“It is always exciting to begin rehearsal. You have a talented group of actors and designers coming together to take the project from concept to reality in just three weeks,“ says Artistic Director, Robert Metcalfe.
Metcalfe is directing the first production as well and is looking forward to taking a subject that has become almost a daily subject in the newspaper to a theatrical setting.
“People see headlines about genetics and stem cell research and all sorts of scientific advances, but it’s not always possible to put it into context. This is something that Wendy has done very well. She’s put together a very intriguing group of people who have different viewpoints and different agendas. But, not everything is as it first seems and you come to re-evaluate everyone in the play by the end. The power of this story is that people will be discussing it long after they’ve left the theatre. That is the sign, I think, of a good night’s entertainment – when you continue to think about it after you’ve left your seat,” says Metcalfe.
The production that follows Chimera is going to resonate with audiences as well. Tempting Providence by Robert Chafe has been a sensation wherever it has toured. The content of the show retells the life story of a Canadian hero – Myrna Bennett. It is the method of telling the tale that will engross the audience.
“Jillian Keiley is the director of the show and she is one of Canada’s best directors. She’s received the prestigious $100,000 Siminovitch Prize and for good reason. She took this story and has succeeded in creating a simple and elegant night of theatre that will take you every where this amazing nurse went in remote Newfoundland. But she’s done it without extensive costume changes or multiple sets or any technological tricks. She has taken Robert Chafe’s play to a new level. I’m very excited that PTE has been able to bring the Theatre Newfoundland Labrador production to Winnipeg,“ says Metcalfe.
Keiley is also extending her talents as guest artist to the PTE School’s adult acting classes on November 12.
“It is a bit of a coup to get her to talk to the students. She will be very busy getting the actors prepped for the production, but has graciously decided to share her expertise with us. One of the benefits of having a theatre school connected to a professional theatre is the potential it offers,” says John B. Lowe, PTE Theatre School Director.
PTE will be marking its 35th year with a special fundraising dinner honouring the extraordinary contribution of The Honourable Mr. Charles R. Huband on November 8. Mr. Huband was one of the driving forces in the creation of PTE and his contribution and commitment has never waivered and he remains a Life Member of the PTE Board of Directors.
“It is going to be a very busy fall here at PTE, but the quality of these first two productions and the history we are recognizing with the Huband Dinner, illustrate the vitality of Prairie Theatre Exchange. PTE continues to be an exciting place to work, to attend theatre classes and to see great theatre,” says Metcalfe.
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For more information contact : Mr. Carman Johnston, Marketing and Development Manager, at 925-5257; Fax 942-1774;
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