Friday, September 21, 2012
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial 21
Light forms in clay and wood in Richards Trail art show
ARTISTS
Every photographer and gallery owner knows the truth: art only looks as good as its lighting. An exhibit opening today in North Cowichan embraces that concept to the extreme. GelinasCarr Furniture and Margit Nellemann join creative forces in the light CLAY+WOOD exhibit features light in a variety of forms — lamps, lanterns and other brilliant works in a celebration
of the art of lighting. “Sept. 22 marks the beginning of fall in the northern hemisphere. From this moment on, the days start getting shorter than the nights. And it is at this time of the year we like to invite more light into our homes and lives,” Nellemann said in a media release. Joe Gelinas and Sandra Carr of GelinasCarr
Furniture have turned their refined use of local wood lends to lamps, while Nellemann mirrors that focus, except with ceramics. The opening reception for light CLAY+WOOD is tonight from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Margit Nellemann Studio & Gallery, 8350 Richards Trail, North Cowichan. The show runs until Oct. 28. Call 250-748-3811 for information.
Theatre plucks up courage in Chickens revival Comedy with a message: Theatre hopes Chickens fly in revival of production last staged in the Festival’s early years Caitlin McKay
News Leader Pictorial
C
hickens is about more than just poultry. Audiences will learn a lot from these clucky birds, in Chemainus Theatres’ upcoming production of the play. Chickens, written by Chemainus Theatre Festival alumna Lucia Frangione, was originally performed in 1995 in Chemainus and got Àapping reviews from critics and audiences. With the 20th anniversary of the theatre, the play is supposed to be a celebration of the past. But with new sets and a new cast, this isn’t your parents’ Chickens. “I didn’t know the piece at all so I came in with completely fresh eyes and vision. I’m feeling excited...I think we have found magic in the piece,” said Sara-Jeanne Hosie, the director/choreographer. “I think in the past it was done with a far more real farm feeling, but this is more storybook, like it exists somewhere else. It is very extravagant and whimsical.” The message of the play is one that everyone can relate to. Frangione encourages her audience to overcome their fears and not be a chicken. “There is a fear in all of us to take the next step and losing someone if we do,” explained Hosie, who last appeared as Patsy Cline at the Chemainus Theatre. “When we meet these characters, they aren’t on the same page and they are trying to get back on the same page. They are looking into their chickens to ¿nd some guidance in their lives.” Often creatively inÀuenced by our neighbours down south, Hosie says she is happy to be working on a Canadian piece. “We just don’t see a lot of Canadian pieces so I think it is exciting to see a Canadian piece. And if you have seen it before, I’m excited for people to see the story and see the new life,” she said. After three weeks of practice, the cast has got a strong bond that shows in their performance. Hosie says the lead actress, Samantha Currie, is a natural ¿t “I read the script and I immediately saw Sam as Liza. It all started with her in my mind. Sometimes you just hear people right away,” she said. The play follows the lives of a rural couple, Pal (Shane Snow) and Liza, who are trying to save their farm from bankruptcy. But the pair has different ideas about what to do with the chickens. After Pal refuses to axe them, Liza issues an ultimatum. Currie says she is able to relate to the play and the struggles of Liza. “There are some real moments in the show that happen all the
Shane Snow and Samantha Currie (centre) are the leads in Chemainus Theatre Festival’s barnyard romp Chickens. time in life and if I was in the audience and saw those moments, it would be just a real nod to your own life.” She said. Those who remember the original performance of Chickens, remember it fondly. But neither director nor leading lady said they feel pressure to live up to expectations. “There is a lot of excitement to do the piece again from long ago. The only nerves I have is just the natural nerves you have before a show,” said Currie. “But I think the comedy of the show will put the company and the audience at ease.” Chickens is family-friendly, but not a kids’ show. The themes of
Andrew Leong
the play are ones everyone can relate to. “I think there is something for everyone in the show. There are some funny moments and some moving moments. It is genuinely a show for everyone, from 11 to 90,” said Currie. Your ticket What: Chickens Where: Chemainus Theatre Festival When: Sept. 21 until Oct. 27 Tickets: call 250-246-9820
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