Upstage - 4000 Miles

A GREAT PLACE TO READ ABOUT GREAT THEATRE · APRIL– MAY 2019

VOLUME 5 / ISSUE 4

4000 Miles Amy Herzog’s Pulitzer Prize-Nominated Play Onstage April 9—May 5.

Hello!

Welcome to the Belfry and our co-production of 4000 Miles.

In preparing for the show, we came across this press quote from the Australian production. It really highlights the universality of 4000 Miles.

“If your heart is sick or just needs warming, go and see this play. If you are a baby-boomer who doesn’t understand your grandchildren or are from Gen Y and are, like, really weirded out by your grandparents, go and see this play. If you simply love theatre, go and see this play.”

We’re thrilled to welcome Brenda Robins (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike) and Nathan Howe (Salt Baby) back to our stage.

They’ll be joined by Julie Leung and Lucy McNulty; both are making their Belfry debuts.

B4Play

As always, we look forward to seeing you at

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 AT 11 AM

the theatre.

Belfry Studio Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Avenue

COVER PHOTO - AMY HERZOG

Michael Shamata and Gregor Craigie Photo by Don Craig

Free Event. A live talk show hosted by CBC Radio’s Gregor Craigie and featuring interviews with actor Nathan Howe, director Anita Rochon, and community experts Kyle Cheveldayoff (a Registered Psychologist and retired firefighter) and is produced four times per year and can be found at branches of the Greater Victoria Public Library, the Belfry

Professor Michael Nowlin (Chair, English Department, University of Victoria).

and online at issuu.com/belfrytheatre. If you would like a

You can watch the livestream of B4Play on facebook and the event will be

digital copy please drop us a line at hello@belfry.bc.ca.

podcast at belfry.bc.ca/podcasts.

Join Us

BELFRY THEATRE

instagram.com/belfrytheatre

vimeo.com/belfrytheatre

facebook.com/belfrytheatre

issuu.com/belfrytheatre

twitter.com/belfrytheatre

4000 Miles is generously supported by

Tickets 250-385-6815 / tickets.belfry.bc.ca

1291 GLADSTONE AVENUE VICTORIA, BC V8T 1G5 WWW.BELFRY.BC.CA

Upstage is supported by

POINT A to POINT B

By Janet Munsil

A PLAY IS ABOUT DISTANCE. FROM BEFORE TO AFTER. POINT A TO POINT B.

a confrontation or turning point when something surprising is

This play explores two kinds of distance. The first is a specific

revealed, after which the action slides swiftly down the other side of

geographical distance, from coast to coast. From Seattle to

the arc towards a satisfying Resolution.

Manhattan: four thousand miles, as the crow flies.

Does a playwright have this map in mind, when they sit down to write

Over this distance, a play’s protagonist can’t nap in the cabin of a

a play? Do they plan each mile of the hero’s route over rough terrain,

plane for five hours at 37,000 feet to get to their destination. They

up and down the mountain, according to strict rules of dramatic

need to move, to prove themselves, by doing things the hard way—

structure? Are the mountains, rest stops, perfect sunrises and points

say, crossing the country by bicycle, loaded down with gear, over the

of interest plotted out according to strict rules? Is the destination

mountains, at the mercy of the elements.

known at the outset?

4000 Miles is also the distance between two people, and the journey

Most contemporary playwrights do not use a map. They have an idea

to connect with each other. It begins with a knock at the door in

to explore, or a character, or a situation, and they begin by writing a

the middle of the night. Shaggy and smelly, 21-year-old Leo turns

couple of scenes. They listen for the knock on the door. Who’s there?

up unannounced at his 91-year-old grandmother’s Manhattan

What do these characters have to say to each other, to learn from

apartment, not knowing where else to be. Leo has all but completed

each other? Out of their interaction, their circling each other, the story

an epic bike trip from Seattle, but has suddenly stopped a few blocks

emerges. The structure begins to reveal itself.

shy of Atlantic waters—his finish line, his Point B.

Herzog opens the play in Vera’s apartment with a “Who’s There?”

The idea of play structure as an A-to-B line or map with a mountain

moment, as Leo drops into her world, unannounced. Vera (a character

in the middle will be familiar to anyone who has studied playwriting

based on Herzog’s own grandmother) recognizes at once that her

or dramatic literature, or film. Known as the Dramatic Arc, or Freytag’s

grandson is in some kind of crisis, that he doesn’t “seem right” – an

Pyramid, it is the most common structural model for drama, ancient

observation Leo cheerfully denies and refuses to talk about. Vera

or modern. The play’s journey begins with Exposition, where we meet

doesn’t force the issue: she’s been around a long time. If he isn’t ready

the characters and are introduced to their situation. A conflict then

to talk, she can wait. Leo’s revelation, when it does come, isn’t earth-

triggers a chain of events known as Rising Action, as complications

shattering, but quiet. Very, very quiet.

»

build the tension in the story. The peak of the mountain is the Climax: 3

There’s no plot-machine driving the drama of 4,000 Miles towards

Over the past decade, a wave of brilliant women playwrights (Amy

a conventional resolution. Hardly anything that happens between

Herzog among them) have been ignoring, rejecting, or questioning

Leo and Vera could be described as “dramatic.” Instead, Herzog has

the traditional or textbook ideas of play structure – and are changing

created finely-drawn, deceptively naturalistic portraits of individuals

the shape of dramatic writing in the process. This is dramatic writing

who are just barely coping as they struggle with loss and change.

that holds a mirror to our un-dramatic, uncertain, messy twenty-first

This generational odd-couple confronts the tiny domestic dramas of

century lives; where characters face tragedy and personal failure with

everyday life: the rising action of the laundry pile, the complication

a very modern mix of humility, stoicism, and humour.

of a co-dependent neighbour, the twist of the broken faucet. They find a way to give the other person the space they need, while living in uncomfortable proximity. Their silences, arguments and upsets are common to fellow travelers. This is the drama of longing to confide in someone but failing to find the right words.

Cast & Creatives

Brenda Robins

Nathan Howe

Because, hey? What option is there? Like Leo, what can we do but climb back on our bikes and finish the journey we have started?

Janet Munsil has written more than a dozen plays including The Ugly Duchess, Be Still, Circus Fire, Emphysema (a love story), and That Elusive Spark (Finalist, 2014 Governor General’s Literary Awards). Her 2012 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice for Theatre Calgary and Canada’s National Arts Centre has been produced internationally.

Why I Chose This Play Julie Leung

Amy Herzog

Lucy McNulty

PLAYWRIGHT

I actually chose this play a number of years ago. In 2012 I read The NY Times review of the original production. I got a copy of the play. I read it. I fell in love with it. I put it on a list of plays for production at the Belfry. It made it into a season a couple of times – only to be shifted around and eventually shifted out, not

Anita Rochon DIRECTOR

Peter Hartwell DESIGNER

Wendy Lundgren

striking the right balance with the other plays.

LIGHTING DESIGNER

It is the perfect final note on which to end this season.

Charles Isherwood, a critic whose taste in theatre often aligns with my own, wrote of playwright Amy Herzog: “She writes with a keen sensitivity to the complex weave of feelings embedded in

Steven Charles

Aidan Dunsmuir

SOUND DESIGNER

ASSISTANT SOUND DESIGNER

all human relationships, with particular attention to the way we tiptoe around areas of radioactive emotion. Ms. Herzog makes quietly captivating dramas of our instinct to avoid drama, noting how momentous events in our lives can pass by almost without registering on the surface.”

That’s a perfect description of Amy Herzog’s writing. The story of 4000 Miles moves me profoundly – and it is her exquisite writing

Christopher Sibbald

Emily Mewett

Shanae Sodhi

STAGE MANAGER

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Tickets 250-385-6815 / tickets.belfry.bc.ca

and compassionate insight that makes the story profound.

Michael Shamata, Artistic Director

LIVE EVENTS

—

Throughout 4000 Miles we’ll host a number of events that will deepen your theatre experience or just plain astound you.

B4PLAY

Belfry Librarian The wonderful librarians from the Greater Victoria Public Library have compiled a list of books and videos to help you get even more out of our production of 4000 Miles.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 AT 11 AM

Free Event · A live talk show hosted by CBC Radio’s Gregor Craigie and featuring interviews with actor Nathan Howe, director Anita Rochon, and community experts Kyle Cheveldayoff (a Registered Psychologist and retired firefighter) and Professor Michael Nowlin (Chair, English Department, University of Victoria).

TALKBACK THURSDAY THURSDAY, APRIL 18

Meet the actors post-performance when they return to the stage to answer questions and provide insight into the play.

AFTERPLAY Facilitated discussions – audience member to audience member – will follow every evening performance of 4000 Miles (except Opening Night and Talkback Thursday). These are a great opportunity to share your thoughts and hear fellow patrons’ reactions to the production and the ideas it presents.

VOCALEYE SUNDAY, APRIL 28 AT 2 PM

For patrons with low or no vision, we offer this VocalEye performance during 4000 Miles. Trained Audio Describers provide descriptions of the visual elements of the show,

Commonwealth

by Ann Patchett (2016) Crossing to Safety

by Wallace Stegner (2002) Dear Life

by Alice Munro (2013)

The World’s Most Travelled Man

by Mike Spencer Bown (2017)

Displacement

by Lucy Knisley (2015)

You & a Bike & a Road

by Eleanor Davis (2017)

The Immortalists

by Chloe Benjamin (2018)

Arguing the World: the New York Intellectuals in Their Own Words

by Joseph Dorman (2000)

Life is a Wheel

by Bruce Weber (2014)

FREE CHILDCARE PERFORMANCES

Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk

by Kathleen Rooney (2017)

SUNDAY, APRIL 21 AT 2 PM / SATURDAY, MAY 4 AT 4 PM

Parents of children (between 3 - 10 years old) can see a show at the Belfry and we’ll take care of the children for free.

Children are cared for by a trained, professional Early Childcare Educator, just a short stroll from the theatre, and free of charge.

Childcare space is at a premium so we ask parents to reserve in advance, at least 1 week prior to your chosen performance.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

by Rachel Joyce (2012)

Devotions

by Mary Oliver (2017)

experience without missing any of the details.

allowing people with low vision to enjoy the theatrical

Rumi: the Big Red Book

by Maulana Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī (2010)

Lily and the Octopus

by Steven Rowley (2016) Lucky [DVD] directed by John Carroll Lynch (2017)

Over the Hills: a Midlife Escape Across America by Bicycle

by David Lamb (1996) The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle

by Christina Uss (2018) Meadowlark

by Wendi Stewart (2015)

To learn more, please email us at hello@belfry.bc.ca, or call the box office at 250-385-6815 to reserve tickets and free childcare.

5

SPOTLIGHT ON SUPPORTERS

Anne McLaughlin

night plays” – ones that don’t have a moral and where you go away with a smile on your face. She also appreciates that in addition to escapism, theatre can present us with an exaggerated world which at times can be very challenging to experience.

Anne became a donor to the Belfry when a financial planner friend

Anne McLaughlin is one of the Belfry’s most loyal long-term

showed her how donating to charity annually would save on her

supporters, often donating through her fund at the Victoria

income tax. She thinks it is vital to support the Belfry Theatre as

Foundation. She has contributed to multiple capital campaigns,

Victoria’s premiere professional theatre company, but also believes

including improvement of our wheelchair access ramp in 2017.

amateur theatre is important to the vitality of the community.

Over the years, she has equally supported artistic and educational projects such as the Belfry’s Indigenous Learning Exchange Program, which offers placements for emerging theatre practitioners.

Since the Belfry started its Director’s Circle program in 2015, Anne has frequently attended the programs with her daughter, Alton Cole, who is an active Belfry volunteer. They find the panel discussions

Anne and her late husband raised their three children in Victoria.

very interesting and have enjoyed learning about lighting, sound,

She was a public-school secondary teacher for eight years, and

costumes, props, as well as budgeting and production planning

then spent 28 years with the Faculty of Education at UVIC teaching

logistics.

and advising. Since retirement, she has been very active with UVIC Alumni, serving as president and honorary president, and also on the board for 20 years. Anne has also escorted a dozen UVIC travel study theatre trips with Michael Booth, served as the president of her housing co-op for 20 years, and enjoys her walking club, frequent bridge, and the local arts.

We are delighted with Anne’s ongoing support, inspired by her obvious love of theatre. Thank you, Anne!

For information on the many ways to contribute to the Belfry, please contact Susan Stevenson, Director of Development at 250-385-6835 ext. 229 or development@belfry.bc.ca

Anne has been attending Belfry shows for about three decades now. Her interest in theatre started with musicals, and her taste has broadened over the years. She appreciates the eclectic offerings at the Belfry, citing a preference for what a friend of hers calls “Friday Tickets 250-385-6815 / tickets.belfry.bc.ca

Anne enjoying a recent Director’s Circle gathering with Michael Shamata at Fantastico Bar-Deli. Photo by Richard Shapka

Calendar 4000 Miles PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

April 9–May 5 , 2019 Tuesdays – Thursdays at 7:30 pm

Wednesday Matinees at 1 pm (April 17, 24, May 1) Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm

Contemporary.

Relevant.

Expansive.

Saturday Matinees at 4 pm

Season tickets start at

$70

Sunday Matinees at 2 pm Free Childcare Performances Sunday, April 21 at 2 pm Saturday, May 4 at 4 pm Audience Engagement Schedule B4PLAY · Saturday, April 6 at 11 am TALKBACK THURSDAY · April 18 AFTERPLAY · Following all

evening performances* VOCALEYE · Described performance

Sunday, April 28 at 2 pm * Except Opening Night and Talkback Thursday

F E AT U R I N G BOOM X

The Ministry of Grace

The Children

2020 SPARK Festival

Bang Bang

1979

Every Brilliant Thing

How to buy tickets By telephone 250 385 6815

Please have your credit card ready, as well as the date and time of the performance you wish to attend.

Online

Visit belfry.bc.ca/tickets and buy your tickets online, anytime.

In person

Drop by our Box Office.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express,

Our new season brochure is on its way to your mailbox.

Please call us at

250-385-6815

to renew or for more information.

Your early renewal deadline is May 31.

debit card, cheques, and, of course, cash.

7

Up Next

July 30—August 18, 2019

“an audience-pleasing earworm for the eyes, ears and hearts” —THE GLOBE & MAIL

Tickets 250-385-6815 tickets.belfry.bc.ca

by

Rick Miller

Electronic Press Kit 4000 MILES SPONSORS

SEASON SPONSORS

PUBLIC FUNDERS

Belfry Theatre 1291 GLADSTONE AVENUE VICTORIA, BC

V8T 1G5

2019-03-15