House Program - 1939

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F R O M T H E E X E C U T I V E a n d A R T I S T I C D I R E C TO R s Welcome back to the Belfry! Welcome to the talented Cast and Stage Management team of 1939, and to Lighting Designer Louise Guinand. And welcome back to Jani Lauzon, who co-wrote this play with Kaitlyn Riordan, and has directed it so elegantly.

To quote the Globe & Mail: “Jani Lauzon and Kaitlyn Riordan’s excellent play…(is) set in the past but speaks better to our here and now.”

Past productions at the Belfry have dealt with Residential Schools—primarily Kevin Loring’s Where the Blood Mixes, which powerfully examined the lasting and generational trauma that those institutions inflicted. In 1939, Jani and Kaitlyn “wanted to focus on the strength and wit that the students used to try to endlessly cope and navigate their circumstances.” In making this choice, they have endowed the five students we meet with resilience and hope.

This production, with this cast (comprised of artists from the West Coast and Central Canada), rehearsed and performed at Canadian Stage, in a production based on the one that Jani created at Stratford.

Once they closed in Toronto, the set and costumes were packed up and shipped to Victoria. The actors, stage management team, lighting designer and director flew here, and had a week in which to re-rehearse, add in the technical elements, and adjust to our stage.

We would like to acknowledge and thank our producing partners—Brendan Healy and Monica Esteves and their team at Canadian Stage in Toronto, and the Stratford Festival, which commissioned the play and gave it its premiere in 2022.

We are proud to be sharing this story with you.

With our sincere thanks and best wishes—

Michael Shamata, Artistic Director

Isaac Thomas, Executive Director

The Belfry Theatre presents

By Jani Lauzon and Kaitlyn Riordan Cast Brefny Caribou Merewyn Comeau Catherine Fitch Nathan Howe Grace Lamarche Amanda Lisman James Dallas Smith John Wamsley

Susan Blackbird Evelyne Rice Sian Ap Dafydd Father Callum Williams Beth Summers Madge Macbeth Joseph Summers Jean Delorme

This performance runs 2.5 hours including a 20-minute intermission.

The première production opened on September 11, 2022, at the Studio Theatre.

Antoni Cimolino, Artistic Director & Anita Gaffney, Executive Director.

1939 is generously sponsored by

our season sponsors

public funders

Creative Team Jani Lauzon Jessica Carmichael Joanna Yu* Sim Suzer Asa Benally Barbara Morrone-Sanchez Louise Guinand* Sruthi Suresan Wayne Kelso Sarah Miller Maya Bowers Richard Comeau Amanda Lisman Jane Gooderham Waawaate Fobister with Roger Fobister Sr. Wahsonti:io Kirby Emma Edwards

Director Dramaturg Set Designer Associate Set Designer Costume Designer Associate Costume Designer Lighting Designer Associate Lighting Designer Sound Designer & Composer Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager Fight Director Fight Captain RP/Cockney/French Dialect Coach Anishinaabemowin Translations/ Language Coaching Kanien’kéha Translations/ Language Coaching Land Acknowledgement Recordings

* Indicated designers on this production are represented by the Associated Designers of Canada, IATSE Local ADC659

The Belfry Theatre is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and engages professional artists who are members of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the terms of the jointly negotiated Canadian Theatre Agreement.

Director’s Notes Directing 1939 has been one of the most profound experiences of my life. In June of 2024, Survivors of the Shingwauk Residential School, along with their families, gathered outside on a beautiful sunny day in Sault St. Marie to listen to a staged reading I had the pleasure of directing. To have the Survivors there, smiling, laughing, crying… I have no words. The five Indigenous students in 1939 are based on Survivors’ journeys of strength, tenacity, resilience and the most incredible courage. The students are resourceful young people who are struggling to find their way through a system thrust upon them. A system that, at its core, had/has a malicious intent. And while the figures of authority in 1939 are not representative of the monsters that permeated the schools, they are, as a result of their own dreams and desires, complicit.

In 1885 John A. Macdonald, in response to the Red River Resistance said:…”we have done all we could to make them work as agriculturists;… and forgetting all the kindness that had been bestowed upon them,..in trying to rescue them from barbarity; forgetting that we had given them reserves,—, they rose against us.”

He goes on to say: “we must vindicate the position of the white man, we must teach the Indians what law is…”

The Survivors I have had the pleasure to meet and get to know have worked hard all their lives to find peace, love and self acceptance after experiencing unspeakable things as a result of the assumption of superiority instilled by men like Macdonald. Their strength continues to humble me. They remind me of why doing this work is important. Thanks to Canadian Stage and the Belfry Theatre for recognizing the importance of this story, this glimpse inside a system intent on breaking the spirits of Indigenous children. This is not just a play. This is an offering to you all. And through the power of storytelling, using Shakespeare as a playground (for all you Shakespeare naysayers, I say blame the system not the artist), we are here to honour the Survivors and to build on this journey that we are calling reconciliation.

Jani Lauzon

Acknowledgements & Resources Jani Lauzon and Kaitlyn Riordan are members of the Playwrights Guild of Canada.

1939 was originally commissioned by the Stratford Festival, Ontario, Canada. Special thank you to Shakespeare in the Ruff who, through the Canada Council, helped support the initial script development.

The playwrights wish to thank the following for their support of 1939: Antoni Cimolino, Anita Gaffney, Keira Loughran, ted witzel and Rachel Wormsbecher from the Stratford Festival; Eva Barrie and AJ Richardson from Shakespeare in the Ruff; Rev. Dr. Stephen Drakeford and Nancy Hern from the Anglican Church of Canada and its archives, Krista McCracken from the Algoma University archives, Rebecca Burton from

The Playwrights Guild of Canada, Keith Barker, Jessica Carmichael, Alessandro Costantini, Waawaate Fobister, Roger Fobister Sr., David Mildon, Sorouja Moll, Yvette Nolan and all the folks at YES! Theatre. And most importantly our Elder Script Consultants: Pauline Shirt, Shirley Horn, Edna Manitowabi, Elizabeth Stevens And: The playwrights would also like to thank the actors and stage managers who participated in past workshops or productions: Marion Adler, Brendan Chandler, Kat Chin, Richard Comeau, Morgan Cook, Lisa Cromarty, Jake Deeth, Sarah Dodd, Deborah Drakeford, Sheldon Elter, Jacklyn Francis, Sarah Gartshore, Renate Hanson, Robert Harding, Braiden Houle, Nicole Joy-Fraser, Madison Kalbhenn, Wahsonti:io Kirby, Shira Leuchter, Cheri Maracle, Kathleen MacLean, Brendan McMurtry-Howlett, Jeff Meadows, Chris Mejaki, Lisa Nasson, Joelle Peters, Gregory Prest, Mike Shara, Tara Sky, James Dallas Smith, Kelsey Tyson, Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone, John Wamsley, Gordon Patrick White, Katie Wise and Mackenzie Wojcik.

There are, amongst many other reports, firsthand experiences on a freely accessible pdf called The Survivors Speak on the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website. www.nctr.ca/records/reports/ There are many different books and plays with multiple perspectives on the Residential School experience. Here is a small sample.

The Fire Still Burns: Life in and After Residential School by Sam George (2023) Five Little Indians by Michelle Good (2020), The Knowing by Tanya Talaga (2024) The Witness Blanket: Truth, Art and Reconciliation by Kirstie Hudson (2022) INDIAN ACT Residential School Plays an anthology edited by Donna-Michelle St. Bernard Where The Blood Mixes by Kevin Loring, They Know Not What They Do by Tara Beagan God and the Indian by Drew Hayden Taylor, Nôhkom by Michael Greyeyes Other Resources • 24 Hour Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 for emotional support. www.irsss.ca • Pathways Society: victoria-southisland.pathwaysbc.ca/programs/867 • The Indian Residential School Survivors Society operates a 24-hour crisis line to support survivors and families across British Columbia: 1-800-721-0066 • First Nations, Inuit and Métis seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

The process of researching and consulting during the development of the play 1939 Our focus for writing the work was two-fold. First, we were responding to the question that Murray Sinclair asked of all of us: “What can we do to engage in reconciliation?”

And secondly, we were asking ourselves what a story about the incredible resilience of the students at a Residential School would look like. With Yvette Nolan’s permission we watched an interview with her mother, Helen Thundercloud, as she talked about her experience with a teacher in Residential School who taught her Shakespeare—which helped bring about the layering of Shakespeare into the script.

We are aware that there are many incredible plays written about Residential Schools.

A perfect place to start would be Indian Act: Residential School Plays edited by Donna Michelle St. Bernard through Canadian Play Outlet. You can find reference to it here: www.canadianplayoutlet.com/products/indian-act-residential-school-plays-by-donnamichelle-st-bernard. We made a choice to use a different lens. We wanted to focus on the strength and wit that the students used to try to endlessly cope and navigate their circumstances.

Kaitlyn and I began our work by researching and reading the TRC Calls to Action and focusing on #83, which calls on “the Canada Council for the Arts to establish, as a funding priority, a strategy for Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists to undertake collaborative projects and produce works that contribute to the reconciliation process”. Included in the plethora of reading that we did were Canada’s Residential Schools: The Métis Experience Volume 3 and Forgotten, The Métis Residential School Experience by the Legacy of Hope Foundation. Aside from reading books, we knew that we also needed to reach out to Survivors and Knowledge Keepers. Not to validate the experience but to ask for guidance in the process.

We began our conversations with Elder Elizabeth (Liz) Stevens, from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, who is the Elder in Residence at the Stratford Festival. Liz has a family history with Residential Schools and is an advocate of language reclamation. Liz was present at our first workshop at Stratford, in 2019, and continues to be involved with the process as an advisor. We visited her at her home in her community and have spent many hours discussing the importance of language and were encouraged by Liz to include language in our play, which we were also committed to.

In the summer of 2019, we went up to Algoma University for a research trip at the archives through the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA). We met with Shirley Horn, a member of the Missanabie Cree First Nation, (I had met Shirley previously at Soulpepper Theatre Company) who at the time was the Chancellor of the University. Through Shirley, we met with several Survivors, all part of the Alumni Association they had created. In her position as Chancellor, Shirley was now advising the University on how to honour the legacy of the Survivors of the Shingwauk Residential School that had become the main building of Algoma University. Shirley was intrigued by our project and joined our group of cultural advisors. She attended zoom workshops as well as read future drafts so that she could give us feedback.

At the Algoma archives, we did extensive research and continued to build the relationship with the CSAA in various ways. First, Stratford collected $5 from every ticket sold for 1939 to donate to CSAA for the important work they are doing. Next, in the spring of 2024, a bus of Elders and University students came to the production of 1939 in Sudbury. Then, this past June, we brought the cast up to Sault St. Marie to do a staged reading, with the help of YES! Theatre, for the Survivors and their families. Some of us attended the Sunrise Ceremony and the whole cast was present during the feast with the Survivors.

We also reached out to and engaged with Elders Edna Manitowabi, who is Odawa/Ojibway from Wikwemikong, Manitoulin Island, and Pauline Shirt, who was a Plains Cree Elder from Saddle Lake, Alberta. To start with, they read the script and give us feedback. Edna encouraged us to keep pursuing the humour, citing that it was not only a form of resilience for the students but also medicine for the audience—both Indigenous and nonIndigenous. Pauline came to Stratford with her daughter Luanne Harper to lead us in a circle and to give the entire cast, crew and design team teachings around the medicines and the importance of water.

This group of cultural advisors came together for an event held at Stratford in the summer of 2022, called “Stories From Our Grandmothers,” that invited audiences to come and hear about the work they have done and are doing in their communities to help with healing and rebuilding what colonization attempted to take from them. The Festival also hosted an event with Bev Sellars, whose book about her experience as a Residential School Survivor; They Called Me Number One, was a big influence in the writing of the play.

Our Reflection Space in Toronto, a very important aspect to the experience of the show, has been led in the various locations by a variety of incredible First Nations facilitators. Kelly Fran Davis, a member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy of the Grand River Territory was in Stratford, Ontario, and was consultant to those who led the process in Sudbury and Toronto. In Sudbury, the facilitators were a group of Elders and Knowledge Keepers brought together by local Indigenous Knowledge and Language Keeper Will Morin. In Toronto, at Canadian Stage, a team of facilitators were led by Trina Moyan, a nehiyaw iskwew from Frog Lake First Nation. Lately, we have been inspired by Mattea Roach’s quote: “When the book ends, the conversation begins”. We have found this to be true in our reflection space. When the play ends, the conversation, for some, begins; for others, it grows.

One last important aspect of consultation was the use of what we call the “Spirit Images.”

The vision behind these images, that appear like magic on the chalk boards, was to layer in the concept that the ancestors and children who never made it out of the school were sending messages of hope to the current students. Similar to the sound design, the metaphor for a directorial vision was that the walls held memories and could talk. I reached out to David “Sunny” Osawabine, a Cultural and Spiritual Advisor for the Debajehmujig Storytellers in Wikwemikong. Sunny received the teachings of the Peterborough petroglyphs by his mentor Eddie King. Sunny led the crew, cast, admin and design teams of both the Sudbury and Canadian Stage production through the teachings behind the creation of the petroglyphs and the general meanings of the images that were chosen for the play.

At all stages of the consultation the Elders and Knowledge Keepers were offered tobacco and were well compensated, either through Stratford or through Kaitlyn and I personally.

Jani Lauzon

cAST Brefny Caribou Susan Blackbird Brefny Caribou is a performer, writer, and educator of Cree/ Irish-settler descent based in Tkaronto. Holding an MFA in Acting from York University she loves telling Indigenous stories and making people giggle. She has worked across Turtle Island on productions of The Tempest (Theatre Rusticle), Otîhêw (Shakespeare in Action), and completed three seasons at the Stratford Festival in Little Women (Beth March), and The Rez Sisters (Zhaboonigan Peterson). Brefny has worked as an Acting Tutorial teacher at Sheridan College since 2019 and is entering her third year facilitating the Indigenous Arts Program at the Paprika Festival. Her writing has been featured in many festivals including Groundswell (Nightwood Theatre), Brave New Works (Theatre Aquarius) and the Weesageechak Begins to Dance festival (NEPA).

Merewyn Comeau Evelyne Rice Merewyn Comeau (she/they) is a multidisciplinary artist who lives on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations in “Vancouver, BC.” She is a graduate from Capilano University’s Musical Theatre program. Identifying as Western European settler with mixed Indigenous ancestry, navigating, and reclaiming their paternal lineage is a transformative journey that continues to challenge, shape, and heal them. This healing is ongoing and one she deeply honours; continuing to listen, learn and seek answers. Select credits include the world premieres of: Les Filles du Roi (Urban Ink), Sedna (Caravan Farm), Echoes of the Homesick Heart (Western Canada), Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish (Axis), The Mixolydian (Green Thumb), and Elephant and Piggie’s “We are in a Play!” (Carousel/ Canadian premiere).

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Catherine Fitch Sian Ap Dafydd Catherine Fitch graduated with a BFA from the University of Calgary and from the National Theatre School in 1990 and has been working on stage and on screens big and small ever since. Most recently, she performed in POTUS at the Segal Centre in Montreal, in Gloria at the Toronto Jewish Theatre and has spent eight seasons at the Blyth Festival working on new Canadian plays. She has been nominated for three Gemini/CSA awards and won a Gemini Award for best supporting actress in Butterbox Babies. She also appeared as “Maria” in the much-loved series Slings and Arrows. In her spare time, Catherine is looking forward to spending time with family and friends who make their home in this beautiful part of the world. It is an honour to be a part of this production.

Nathan Howe Father Callum Williams Nathan (he/him) is an actor/playwright with an MFA in Scriptwriting from TMU, BFA in Acting from USask, and is a graduate of The Globe Theatre Conservatory. This spring, he, his fiancée Pippa, and their cat Goalie moved to Vancouver!

Recently he did sound design for Hamlet (Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan) and participated in Green Thumb Theatre’s Playwrights’ Gym. Past Belfry credits include Leo in 4000 Miles and Alligator/Philip in Salt Baby (also at the Globe, MT Space, Gwaandak, YAC, Talking Stick, and Live Five *SATAward for Supporting Performance). Other Acting: Women of the Fur Trade (Stratford), Red Velvet (Crow’s), Stones in His Pockets, Reasonable Doubt, Fiddler on The Roof, Treasure Island** (Persephone Theatre **SATAward for Original Composition & Sound Design), Matchstick (Persephone/ GCTC), Seminar (Mirvish/MTC), and three seasons at The Blyth Festival. Up next: his Christmas play, A Christmas Play, has a public reading (Sum Theatre’s First Monday), he’s directing Mr. Burns (Live Five) and performing in Women of the Fur Trade (Globe). Nathan is thrilled to be back at the Belfry!

Grace Lamarche Beth Summers Grace Lamarche is a Cree/Métis actor and theatre artist based in Toronto. She is so excited to be making her Canadian Stage and Belfry debuts. Other theatre credits include: Weltamultiek (director/Paprika Festival), Skyscraper (actor/ Paprika Festival), Birth (actor/Toronto Fringe), Blood Wedding, Cymbeline, Per Gynt and Engaged (George Brown Theatre School). Grace is a graduate of George Brown Theatre School and the Paprika Festival’s Director’s Lab.

Amanda Lisman Madge Macbeth Amanda is grateful to live on the traditional territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples. A graduate of the University of Victoria (Anthropology), University of Alberta (Acting), the Citadel Banff Theatre Program, and Stratford Festival’s Birmingham Conservatory, Amanda’s theatre credits include three seasons at the Stratford Festival (including Titus Andronicus, Cyrano de Bergerac), and performances with Alberta Theatre Projects (Betty Mitchell Award, Venus in Fur), Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Western Canada Theatre, the Segal Centre, the Arts Club, the Citadel, Blue Bridge (Critics’ Choice Spotlight and M Award, My Fair Lady), and the Belfry (A Christmas Carol, Serving Elizabeth). TV credits include Suits, iZombie, and Supernatural. Amanda is also a theatre educator and a community support worker.

James Dallas Smith Joseph Summers James Dallas Smith is a performer with Ohsweken Mohawk (Turtle Clan) and Scottish (McKinnon Clan) heritage. He’s thrilled to be performing at the Belfry for the first time. Favourite credits include: Almighty Voice and His Wife (Dora Nomination for Outstanding Performance), Where the Blood Mixes, King Lear (Soulpepper), The Secret to Good Tea (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre), Hamlet (No More) (Canadian Stage), This is How We Got Here (Native Earth Performing Arts), The Donnelly's Part I, Part II and Part III (Blyth), The Drawer Boy, Proof (Centaur). J.D. lives in Toronto with his wife, beloved kitten, and small, barbarian child.

John Wamsley Jean Delorme John Wamsley is of Anishinaabe-Ojibwe and British descent, and a member of the Alderville First Nation. He is an actor, dancer and theatre creator. Theatre credits include Richard II, Grand Magic, Love’s Labour’s Lost, 1939 (Stratford Festival); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare BASH’d); Timothy Findley’s The Wars (Grand Theatre); The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Hart House Theatre); The Importance of Being Earnest (Theatre Erindale). Film and TV credits include Save the Date (Watersign Productions); Revenge of the Black Best Friend (CBC Gem). John is a graduate of the Theatre and Drama Studies Program at the University of Toronto Mississauga and Sheridan College. Big love to Mom, Dad, Meagan, and Andrew. Thank you for everything. johnwamsley.ca

creative team Jani Lauzon Director & Co-Playwright Jani Lauzon is a director/writer/multidisciplinary performer of Indigenous/ French/Finnish ancestry. Canadian Stage credits: Comedy of Errors, R&J, St. Carmen of the Main. She is a multi-nominated actress/writer/director/singer songwriter and puppeteer. Directing awards: John Hirsch Director’s Award (OAC) and Toronto Critics Best Directors Award. Her company Paper Canoe Projects produces her own work: A Side of Dreams, I Call myself Princess, and Prophecy Fog. Director credits include: Yaga (Belfry), Where the Blood Mixes, and Almighty Voice and his Wife (Soulpepper), Rope (Shaw Festival), I Call myself Princess (The Globe Theatre). Memorable theatre; Cordelia/Fool (NAC), Shylock (SITR) and the Neighbour/Servant (Modern Times/Aluna Theatre). janilauzon.com papercaneoprojects.com

Kaitlyn Riordan Co-Playwright Kaitlyn Riordan is an actor and a playwright of Irish and French descent. She lives in Tkaronto, but originally hails from Tiohtià:ke. She was part of the leadership team at Shakespeare in the Ruff from 2012–2021. Theatre acting credits include Orphan Song (Tarragon), Noises Off! (Segal Centre), Maggie & Pierre (Thousand Islands Playhouse, Timeshare, The Grand), The Merchant of Venice and Blythe Spirit (Stratford), The Winter’s Tale, Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth, Cymbeline, and Two Gents (Shakespeare in the Ruff ). Playwriting credits include Portia’s Julius Caesar (Shakespeare in the Ruff, Hart House, Little Lion Theatre – UK) and 1939 (Stratford, Sudbury Theatre Centre). Plays in development include Gertrude’s Hamlet, I Sit Content – a story of Emily Carr, and The Nude Nun. Kaitlynriordan.com

Joanna Yu Set Designer Joanna is an award-winning set and costume designer working mostly in theatre, dance, and opera. Canadian Stage credits include: Maanomaa, My Brother (costumes); How to Fail as a Popstar (set and costumes); Much Ado About Nothing, Measure for Measure (set). Recent credits include Salesman in China (set, Stratford Festival); Snow in Midsummer (costumes, Shaw Festival); Three Sisters (set, Soulpepper/Obsidian); Prison Dancer, the Musical (set, Citadel, NAC); The Queen in Me (set and costumes, COC, NAC); ‘da Kink in my Hair (set, Soulpepper/TO Live); Forgiveness (costumes, Arts Club/Theatre Calgary). Joanna is the recipient of the Virginia and Myrtle Cooper Award, the Pauline McGibbon Award, and a Dora Award. Joanna serves on the board of directors for the Associated Designers of Canada (ADC659).

Sim Suzer Associate Set Designer Costume Designer for A Year With Frog and Toad (The Capitol Theatre), Costume Designer for Dark of the Moon (George Brown College), Set Designer for Sweeter (Cahoots Theatre), Set Designer for Bad Roads (Crow’s Theatre), Costume Designer for Love’s Labour’s Lost (Stratford Festival), Set and Costume Designer for The Game of Love and Chance and A Grand Night for Singing (Shaw Festival), Set Designer for Anahita’s Republic (Bustle and Beast), Costume Designer for Low Pay? Don’t Pay! (George Brown College), Costume Designer and Associate Set Designer for Everybody (Shaw Festival), Set and Costume Designer for our place (Cahoots Theatre), Costume Designer for Munsch (George Brown College), and Costume Designer for In This (Tiger Princess Dance Projects). simsuzer.com

Asa Benally Costume Designer Citizen of the Navajo and Cherokee Nations. The Rez Sisters, 1939 (Stratford Festival); T’ l – The Wild Man of the Woods (Royal Winnipeg Ballet); The Clearing (Shaw Festival); Whale Song, Devilfish (Perseverance Theater); The Winter’s Tale (HERE Arts Center); Seven Minutes (Waterwell); Where We Belong (Woolly Mammoth Theater, Baltimore Center Stage, Goodman Theater, The Public); Mrs. Warren’s Profession (Gingold Group); Blues for an Alabama Sky (Keen Company, Drama Desk Nomination); Somewhere Over the Border (Syracuse Stage); Too Heavy For Your Pocket (George Street Playhouse); Skeleton Crew (Westport Country Playhouse); Father Comes Home… (Juilliard); Measure for Measure (Public Theater Mobile Unit); Cymbeline (Yale Repertory Theater); The Taming of the Shrew, Measure for Measure (Frog and Peach Theater Co.); The Brobot Johnson Experience (Bushwick Starr); Tricks the Devil Taught Me (Minetta Lane Theater); Coriolanus, The Seagull (Yale School of Drama); Roberto Zucco (Yale Cabaret). Training: M.F.A Yale School of Drama. B.F.A. Parsons School of Design. asabenally.com, Instagram: @Asa_Benally_Design.

Barbara Morrone-Sanchez Associate Costume Designer Barbara is an emerging costumer with a passion for design. Canadian Stage credits include Dresser for Public Enemy. Other theatre credits include Assistant Costume Designer Romeo & Juliet, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Women of the Fur Trade, and Casey & Diana (Stratford Festival).

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Louise Guinand Lighting Designer Louise Guinand has designed lights for over 600 productions at theatres across Canada and in the US. Her work has been seen at Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, Grand Theatre, National Arts Centre, Tarragon, Globe Theatre, New York Shakespeare Festival and Kennedy Centre, amongst many other theatres.

She has received multiple nominations from the west coast to the east coast of Canada. Louise is a graduate of Queens University and the National Theatre School of Canada as well as a member of IATSE Local ADC659. Louise is delighted to return to the Belfry Theatre.

Sruthi Suresan Associate Lighting Designer Sruthi is a Toronto-based Lighting Designer. Past credits include Lighting Design: The Two Noble Kinsmen (Shakespeare BASH’d); Legally Blonde, London Road (MacEwan University); La Boheme, Is He Dead?, Almost Maine, The Underpants, Stupid F***ing Bird, Threads: Impact (University of Wisconsin); The Drawer Boy (Port Stanley Festival Theatre); Three Sisters (University of Windsor). Associate Lighting Designer: FRONTIERS | FRONTIÈRES and WATER SPIRIT (Lua Shayenne Dance Company); Maggie: The Musical (The Savoy Theatre), The Rhubarb Festival (Buddies in Bad Times). Assistant Lighting Designer: Something Rotten, Romeo and Juliet, London Assurance, Rent, Much Ado About Nothing, Les Belles-Soeurs, Chicago, Hamlet, The Miser (Stratford Festival); White Girls in Moccasins (Buddies in Bad Times).

Wayne Kelso Sound Designer & Composer Wayne is a Métis composer/sound designer and musician from northwestern Ontario. He has toured throughout North America with a diverse group of performers including JoséFeliciano, Jimmy Rankin, Michael Burgess, Kim Stockwood, Dianne Heatherington, and Billy Newton-Davis. As a composer/sound designer, Wayne has created works for numerous plays for both CBC and live theatre. His score for Factory Theatre’s production of The Leisure Society was nominated for a Dora award in 2005. Wayne’s most recent scores include Stratford’s 2024 production of London Assurance and the Belfry’s staging of Yaga. His most recent CD, North of Jazz, was released in February 2022.

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April 1 & 2 • 7:30pm McPherson Playhouse

Sarah Miller Stage Manager Sarah Miller is a freelance stage manager, mentor and instructor.

Credits include: Fall on Your Knees (Canadian Stage); A Year with Frog & Toad, Little Shop of Horrors (Capitol Theatre); Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Crow’s Theatre/Musical Stage); Bang Bang (Factory Theatre); The Runner (Human Cargo/Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre); Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Mirvish); Lil’ Red Robin Hood (Ross Petty Productions); Sizwe Banzi is Dead, Innocence Lost, Of Human Bondage, Spoon River, A Christmas Carol, Hosanna, The Heidi Chronicles, Angels in America (Soulpepper Theatre); Orestes, Yaga (Tarragon Theatre); The De Chardin Project (Theatre Passe Muraille), Freedom Singer (Project Humanity).

Maya Bowers Assistant Stage Manager Maya is thrilled to be a part of this production. Canadian Stage credits include Sweat. Other theatre credits include: Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, (Crow’s/Musical Stage), The Master Plan, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo (Crow’s), King Gilgamesh and the Man of the Wild (Soulpepper/TRIA Theatre), Billy Elliot (Neptune), You and I, Antigone: (Young Peoples Theatre), On Golden Pond (Drayton), The Curious Voyage (Talk is Free Theatre), Actually (Obsidian/Harold Green Jewish Theatre), The Christmas Express, The Great Kooshog Lake Hollis McCauley Fishing Derby, Knickers!, Boeing Boeing (Upper Canada Playhouse), Trap Door (Theatre Sheridan).

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BMO is proud to be the Production Sponsor of 1939.

BMO is proud to be the Production Sponsor of 1939.

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2024-09-24 12:20

24-1835 Belfry Theatre 2024 Ad 5,75x8,75_Ev1.indd 1

2024-09-24 12:20

Au d i e n c e I n f o r m at i o n

PRE - PERFOR M AN C E

Smartphones, Cameras, and Recording Devices The use of cameras, smartphones or audio/visual recording equipment is prohibited. Please turn off all personal electronic devices prior to the performance. If you need to be contacted in an emergency, please leave your name and seat number with our House Manager.

B4Play Live talk shows hosted by CBC Radio’s Gregor Craigie and featuring artists from the upcoming show, along with experts from the community, have been designed to provide insight into each Mainstage production. Each event is held the Saturday prior to Opening, is free to attend and is also live streamed on Facebook, and available as a podcast on our website.

Latecomers and Re-admission The Director of each production designates moments in the show when the seating of latecomers will cause the least distraction for actors and audience members. Should you leave the theatre, our House Manager will not be able to reseat you until one of these breaks and may not be able to return you to your original seat, but you can watch the performance on the monitor in our lobby.

Podcasts Listen and download the full interviews from each B4Play, recent stories from The Flame, our storytelling series, and more at belfry.bc.ca/podcasts.

Perfume and Cologne Please refrain from using perfume and cologne when you come to the theatre. Some of our patrons are highly allergic to scents.

Food and Drinks Only food or drinks that you purchase at the concession are permitted in the theatre.

Lost and Found Please check with our House Manager if you have lost an item in the theatre.

Lobby Touchscreen The TV monitor in our lobby is a touchscreen device. By touching the screen, you can delve deeper into each production, learn about the artists who created the show, and much more.

Babes in Arms The Belfry is proud to produce adult contemporary theatre. Most of our productions are not suitable for young children. Sorry, we do not admit babes in arms.

Upstage Magazine Our magazine provides insight into each Mainstage production, further enriching your experience. Upstage is available in the Lobby and on our website. Drop us a line at hello@belfry.bc.ca for an advance copy.

FOLLO W ING T H E PERFOR M AN C E Talkback Thursday Thursday, November 14 following the performance.

On the third Thursday performance during the run of each show, most (usually all) of the actors return to the stage to answer your questions and provide insight into the play you have just experienced. These Q & A sessions last approximately 20 minutes.

ACC ESSIBLE PERFOR M AN C ES VocalEye – 1939 Sunday, November 17 at 2 pm (in-person event with Touch Tour & Social after) For patrons with low or no vision, we offer one VocalEye performance during most Mainstage productions. Trained Audio Describers provide descriptions of the visual elements of the show, allowing people with low vision to enjoy the theatrical experience without missing any of the details. More information at the Box Office 250-385-6815.

Hearing Assist For patrons who are hard of hearing, the theatre is equipped with both an infrared hearing assist system and a neck loop system. We have twelve devices of each of the systems available through the Box Office.

What is Fashion?

Not simply a matter of style but an art of love, fashion should celebrate the marriage of a garment and a woman’s body.

Think elegance when choosing

Amplifying Voices, Printing Truth Honouring the power of storytelling and the journey toward reconcilliation.

your next piece of clothing.

Barbara Hubbard

barbaraboutiquesidneybc.com

Sidney BC 2493 B Beacon Avenue 250-655-0372

Belfry Theatre Staff

2 0 2 4 – 2 5 B oa r d o f D i r e cto r s President

Alison Watt

Vice President

Gillian Wood

Secretary

Mikaila Mauro

Treasurer

Kathy Veldhoen

Past President

Richard Brownsey

Directors

David Biltek

Hannah Abbey

Venue Technician

Bill Allen

Box Office Clerk

Castor Angus

Box Office Clerk

Alison Bendall

FOH Supervisor & Box Office Clerk

Jane Broomfield

Interim Company Manager

Helena Descoteau

Box Office Supervisor

Mark Dusseault

Director of Marketing & Communications

Linda Findlay

Head of Wardrobe

Marcia McNeil

Mike Ford

Director of Production & Operations

Daniela Pinto

Ian Gibson

Audience Services Manager

Keith Houghton

Head Technician & Systems Administrator

Valerie Houle

Producer

Nora Kidston

Front of House Manager

Carole Klemm

Head Scenic Artist

Jeff Kulak

Graphic Designer

Jeremy MacLeod

Technical Director

Peter Pokorny

Head of Props & Scenic Carpenter

Dale Pudwell

Master Carpenter

Elena Rozenberg

Director of Finance

Michael Shamata

Artistic Director

Susan Stevenson

Director of Development

Isaac Thomas

Executive Director

Cian Waldron

Box Office Clerk

Deborah Williams

Associate Artist & Flame Facilitator

Golnaz Zad

Box Office Supervisor

CLEANERS

Green Wheel Cleaners

BELFRY SUPPOR T S TAFF B4Play Host

Gregor Craigie

B4Play Technician

Aidan Dunsmuir

Photographers

David Cooper, Emily Cooper, Jo-Ann Richards, Peter Pokorny, and Don Craig

Belfry 101 Instructors

Dave Morris and Nicole Malcolm

Dresser

Grace Carmichael

Dresser

Zoe Salvin

Lighting Crew

Andrew Shepherd, Theon Winn, Alison Bendall

Elaine Calder Kini McDonald

Joni Steinman

H o n o r a ry B oa r d o f D i r e cto r s Chair Emeritus

Patrick Stewart Sherri Bird Barbara Greeniaus Robert Johnston K.C. John Keay Joan Snowden Dr. Brian Winsby Michael Ziegler

Belfry Theatre 1291 Gladstone Avenue Victoria, British Columbia V8T 1G5 250-385-6815 Box Office 250-385-6835 Administration belfry.bc.ca Charitable registration number 11921 5549 RR0001 The Belfry Theatre is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, and the Professional Arts Alliance of Greater Victoria.

Program Advertising Bonnie Light promote@bonnielightadvertising.com or 250-388-5321 Program Design and Production Rhonda Ganz

Building trust doesn’t happen overnight We believe in earning your trust through a long-term relationship built on fully understanding what’s most important to you and your family.

2950 Jutland Road, Suite 400, Victoria, BC V8T 5K2 ICBlueHeronAdvisoryGroup@RichardsonWealth.com www.blueherongroup.ca • 250.655.6968 Richardson Wealth Limited, Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Richardson Wealth is a trademark of James Richardson & Sons, Limited used under license.

Bravo! The following individuals have invested generously in support of the Belfry Theatre.

Visionary ($20,000+) Kim Potash Diane Scott ◊ Benefactor ($10,000–$19,999) Lee Adler ◊ * Phillip Marsh & Cindy Petrowski ◊ John & Suzanne Stewart ◊ Patrick Stewart * Ken & Rosemary Taylor Production Supporter ($5000–$9999) Commodore & Janice Drent + * Cary & Rob Gillespie Elaine Montgomery & Robert Maitland Claude & Joan Mury Beate & Kirk Northcott ◊ Joan Peggs Ronald Polstein Dr. Stephen Tax ◊ Jean & Matt Valikoski Geoff Young & Isobel Mackenzie ◊ Artist Supporter ($2500–$4999) Ian & Gloria Back + Susan & Gary Braley Sheila & Paul Elworthy Katherine Farris & Kit Pearson Rand & Margaret Harrison ◊ * Fiona Hunter Mohan & Kathy Jawl The Bruce & Nikki MacKenzie Family Anne McLaughlin Dianne Soberlak

Lee & Karl Soberlak Foundation Patricia Valentine ◊ Lesley Watson & Evert Lindquist Anonymous (3) ◊ Member ($1200–$2499) Honorable & Mrs. David & Sandra Anderson Dr. Perry & the late Annamaria Bamji Dr. Iris & Dr. Eugen Bannerman David & Caroline Barry Richard Brownsey & Glynis Leyshon Marjorie & Ian Clark Norinne & John Coombs Stephen Cushing & Debbie Gill Terry & Leslie Farmer Denny Gelinas & Anne Clinckett Barbara Greeniaus & Bill Israel Joe & Linda Harvey Katrin Horowitz Bruce & Barbara Housser Hon. Robert TC Johnston KC Ray Jones & Diana Dampsy John & Anne Keay Helen Lansdowne Tomiko Ludwig Joan McArthur-Blair & Jeanie Cockell Garth & Doreen McBride * Dr. Susan McDaniel Kini McDonald Glenn Mehalek & Joni Steinman Robert Milne Bill & Maureen Murphy-Dyson Robert Myers Morton Nelson Patricia O'Brien & Michael Gaudet Michael Shamata Susan Stevenson & Bruce McGuigan Judy Stewart Sandra T. Stott

Julie & John Richard Swenson Isaac Thomas Al & Judith Title Avril & the late Bob Tyrrell Ross & Jane Woodland Michael & Vicki Ziegler Champion ($750–$1199) Barbara and John Barton Fund + Karen Blakely & Shahn Torontow Elaine Calder Ed & Mary Chwyl Peter & Helen Malcolm Mikaila Mauro & Jaylem Manhas Marilyn & Ken Mickelberry Ivo & Sara Olivotto Karen & Henry Phillips Mary Ellen Purkis Adrienne Radford * Lorraine Stuart ◊ Dr. Marie Vautier ◊ Gillian Wood David Zussman & Sheridan Scott Anonymous (1) Guardian ($500–$749) Sylvia Bews-Wright Lorie Bradley & Russ Pym Lorna & Peter Bray Nancy Buan Gail Button Darlene E. Clover B & L Copley Allan & Fern Davies Brenda Firestone Jane Francis & Dave Skilling Michele & Eric Fretz David Gabel & Mark Antunes

Danelle Hames & Matt Law Margot Inches ◊ Sandra Johnstone Sydney & Robert Kalef Andrew Karwowski & Sylvie Cote Peter Kruselnicki Allana Lindgren Helen Lindholm Claudia & David Logan Joan MacLeod Ann Maffey Hazel Morris Sally & Eric Murphy Sara Neely Andrew Medd & Alyssa Polinsky * Pauline Price Sharon Smith Bob & Joan Snowden Alison Watt & Malcolm McLeod Anonymous (2) Steward ($300–$499) Sandra Anderson David Biltek & Margaret Kirwan ** Ron Bischler Norma Butterfield Trevor & Maureen Calkins Jane Clinckett Chris & Susan Considine George & Diane Copley Margaret Helen Cornish Rita Estock Malcolm Foy Adria Fraser Rhonda Ganz Leslie Glazier Chris & Catriona Harker

Dan & Peggy Herlinger Sara Hradecky Yvonne Lawson & Randall Gerlach Lynda Malpass Ken & Dianne McDougall Jon & Gail Muzio Newcomers’ Club of Greater Victoria Ken Peters & Harvey Koffman Carol A. Pharo Nicola Ruth Rendell Jaci Ross David Secord & Amy Adams Catherine A. Stephenson Stephen & Jeanette Titus Kathy & Nik Veldhoen Lori Wanamaker Donald & Adelina White Barbara L. Wilson Catherine Wright & Christopher Jones Anonymous (3) Advocate ($150–$299) Marjory Acton Pearl Arden Douglas Baer Pat Bourke & Barry Gros Monty & Nancy Bryant Amethyst Campbell Richard Chambers Lauren Coulter Ron Cox & Bev Suzuki Mary & Peter Darling Trudy Marie David Karen K. Davies Janice Dawn Dellaviola

Peter & Ruth Diamant Karen Fast Delaine Faulkner & Gary Kahne Agatha & Edward Friesen George Galt Peter Gibson Lynn & Robert Gould Ivan Habel Suzanne Hamilton Alan & Dianne Hanna Adele Heise & Brian McConkey Gil & Angela Henry Kathy Horne Horst Huelscher Charles Joerin & H. Grant Sullivan Nancy Kenyon Margaret Hamilton Kortes David & Jenny Lynn / Susan Martha Macdonnell Karen & Dan MacDougall John A. MacNicol Tom & Marilyn Mahan Ronald Manzer Rick Marshall Margaret Martin Sandy Mayzel Lois McNabb Robert McNamara & Dorothy Hooper Allan & Virginia Christine Miller Elinor Mix Catharine & Anthony Moses Brian & Rose Mary Neill Nadeane Nelson Libuse & Jiri Obdrzalek Darrell & Louise Pacini

Susanne Palmer Ronald & Judith Parish Nancy Payeur Marie Peach Bob Peart Fay Pettapiece Gordon Phillipe & Anne Holtzman Daniela Pinto Patricia Preston Ivy Pye MaryLynne Rimer Janet Robinson Mary Scobie Sheila Souliere Kathy St. John Jan & Don Storch Joanne Summers Philip Sybal Frances Elizabeth Taylor Jayne Thirsk & Jeff Pivnick Lindy Van Alstine Terry Vatrt Victoria Women’s Newcomers Club Margaret Walker Jim & Marion Welsh Lorraine Whiting Paul Williams Bill Williamson Sheila Wynn Anonymous (14) Our thanks to the 99 Friends ($75–$149) and 146 Members (up to $74) *Donor increased the amount of their gift ** New donor + Through the Victoria Foundation ◊ Pass-Through Grants

Fund through the Victoria Foundation As of October 1, 2024

Belfry Legacy Circle Members Gloria & Ian Back+ Lynne Bain & Robert Moyes Dr. Perry & the late Annamaria Bamji+ Richard Brownsey & Glynis Leyshon Jane Francis & Dave Skilling Barbara Greeniaus & Bill Israel Bruce & Barbara Housser Judi James John & Anne Keay Robert & Ann Myers Joan Peggs Cindy Petrowski & Phil Marsh Ronald & Juliana Polstein+ Ross Richardson Diane Scott Michael Shamata Dianne Soberlak The Lee & Karl Soberlak Foundation John & Suzanne Stewart Judy Stewart Julie & John Richard Swenson Frances Taylor Avril & the late Bob Tyrrell Lesley Watson & Evert Lindquist Plus, a further nine anonymous members + Through the Victoria Foundation

We invite you to join the Belfry Legacy Circle by making a planned gift or bequest. The support of visionary philanthropy ensures that the Belfry will continue to flourish. Consult your professional advisors about the many forms through which you can achieve tax advantages of charitable donations and bequests.

C ontact: Susan Stevenson, Director of Development 250-385-6835 ext. 229 or susan.stevenson@belfry.bc.ca

Belfry Legacy Circle Sponsor

Legacy Gifts The Belfry acknowledges the generous recent and past gifts from the estates of:

Violet Armstrong Helena Balczewska Roger J. Bishop Shirley Mae Dawson Marguerite Kathleen Friesen David Neil Lee Maria Luisa Macrae M. Grace Mersereau Margaret Seens Edith Stuart Alan Geoffrey White Garfield (Gary) Delbert Withers Anonymous

Donations in Memoriam In Memory of Judy Barteluk In Memory of William J.C. Bennett In Memory of Nadine Carline In Memory of Shelley Deglan In Memory of Bishop Kemp In Memory of Jean Elizabeth Kõdar In Memory of Jeremy Long In Memory of Duncan Low In Memory of Grace Mersereau In Memory of Marya Nijland In Memory of Ronald Adam Polstein In Memory of Lillian Rabb In Honour of Dr. Warren Stevenson from Ian Chunn & Susan Reaney In Memory of Andrey Tarasiuk In Memory of Judy Treloar

Bravo!

The Belfry Theatre gratefully acknowledges the financial support of The Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia through the British Columbia Arts Council and the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch, the Capital Regional District Arts Development Office, and the City of Victoria.

Facility and Operations

Allison Piano Costa Verde Landscaping Dowell’s Moving & Storage Garside Signs & Displays KPMG Simply Computing Floral

Petals Plus Hospitality

LA Limousine Phillips Brewing and Malting Co. Sea Cider Urban Grocer Name a Seat Sponsor

Showcase Awards Season Sponsors

Helijet Splashes Bath & Kitchen Times Colonist Show Sponsors

BMO Financial Group Broadmead, Oak Bay and Colwood Hearing Clinics Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites Gabriel Ross Graham Isenegger & Neil Chappell, Blue Heron Wealth Advisory Group at Richardson Wealth Metropol Peninsula Co-op Belfry Legacy Society

Horne Coupar LLP Lawyers & Notaries BMO Studio Theatre

BMO Financial Group Roof & HVAC Upgrades: BC Arts Council/ Province of BC Community Program Sponsors Belfry 101: The Potash Family Foundation; Fernwood Pizza Co.

Belfry Accessibility Program: GVSCU Legacy Fund, Vancity Community Foundation Crush + Online Auction

Vessel Liquor Store Donations in Memoriam

McCall Gardens Funeral and Cremation Service Emerging Artist Enhancement Program

The Potash Family Foundation London Drugs Foundation

SPARK 2025

CD Specialty Cleaning & Restoration Caffe Fantastico Government of Canada Upstage Magazine

Fastrac Print & Marketing Belfry Business Circle

BaxterCannon Photo Gallery COX TAYLOR Barristers, Solicitors, Mediators, Arbitrators Jean Medland, Realtor Carolann Steinhoff, Queensbury Securities Inc. TD Bank Group Kirsty Thomson, Willow Wealth, Raymond James Foundations and Funds

APM Fund for the Arts† Annamaria Bamji Award for Emerging Playwrights Fund† The Barraclough Foundation Belfry Theatre Society Endowment Fund† R. Boyes & G. Wilson Fund † The Hamber Foundation Humby/Frampton Fund† Joan C. McCarter Foundation† The Mclean Foundation The Potash Family Foundation Elizabeth McPherson Fund for the Arts† Provincial Employees Community Services Fund The Lee & Karl Soberlak Foundation The Stewart Fund through the Vancouver Foundation Vancouver Foundation Victoria Foundation Victoria Foundation’s Community Grants Program Anonymous (2) +Through the Victoria Foundation

Canadian Stage is proud to co-present 1939 Canadian Stage is one of the country’s leading contemporary performing arts organizations. A collision of disciplines and cultures, Canadian Stage reflects the dynamism and complexity of Canada and is a vital artistic force locally, nationally, and internationally. In its over thirty-year history, Canadian Stage has employed thousands of artists and developed and produced hundreds of new productions. Many of the plays developed

by Canadian Stage have been awarded and nominated for Canada’s most prestigious literary and performing arts honours, including Governor General’s, Chalmers, and Dora Mavor Moore Awards.

Photo: Dahlia Katz