20 Cowichan News Leader Pictorial
Lavender blooms twice in the valley this July
ON STAGE
One thing you can always count on about lavender: it’s going to smell really good. But, thanks to two local lavender farms, that perfume, and the pretty mix of purples, pinks and whites aren’t the only attractions. Check out two local events: one this weekend, another next. They feature a mix of lavender learning and
demonstrations, tours, activities, food, wine, art, music and the exploration a lavender labyrinth. The first is this weekend at the annual Lavender and Arts Festival in Duncan. The third edition of the Lavender and Arts Festival unfolds Saturday at the farm opposite 3567 Wicks Road, Duncan. Festival hours are
Friday, July 19, 2013 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the $5 admission cost goes to support Cowichan Valley Hospice. The second event is next weekend at the Damali Lavender Farm in Cobble Hill Damali Lavenderfest runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the far, 3500 Telegraph Road. Admission is $5, $3 for seniors and $2 for children under 12.
And on the Twelfth Night, the Bard created... Shawnigan Players: Expect fun and romance on the outdoor stage in Cowichan Station
Ashley Degraaf
News Leader Pictorial
C
owichan has a place for Shakespeare. That was evident in former Bard at Brentwood’s sold-out performances. It’s also been said by local theatre troupes, who’ve staged many the author’s works. And it’s not an exception for Alex Gallacher of the Shawnigan Players. “There’s obviously a demand here for Shakespeare,” said Gallacher, who’s staging seven performances of Twelfth Night as part of the player’s annual outdoor pageant starting July 25. “The play itself is really a rollicking show, as are a lot of his plays, and the characters are in love with someone, who doesn’t love them back. “As it was in Pride and Prejudice, it’s again about the difficulties of romance. And it’s very accessible and funny and very true.” Gallacher and players courted Austin’s classic tale last summer as the group’s debut outdoor show at Cowichan Station’s Gem O’ The Isle B&B. It was enough of a success, they’ve decided to try again with one of the Bard’s complex but whimsical pieces. “We decided to make it an annual event,” said Gallacher, who’s directing but also doubling as Malvolio. “It was a great success, and we really had a good attendance.” Audiences should be captivated with the Shakespeare’s crazy, confusing, and comedic love triangle that starts with Orsino (Nick Millar) pining over Lady Olivia (Laura Faulkner). Meanwhile, after a shipwreck off the coast, stranded survivor and aristocrat Viola (Kim Phillips) disguises herself as a man, Cesario, who the finds work for Orsino. As Cesario, Viola gets all warm and fuzzy over Orsino.
Bill Levity is the Fool and Kim Phillips is Viola in the Shawnigan Players upcoming outdoor production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Then things get really weird when Cesario visits Olivia on behalf of Orsino and Olivia falls head over heals for her (or him, as Olivia perceives it). “It’s a really complex play, with a great variety of characters and we’ve got a great cast,” Gallacher said. Other cast members include Bill Levity (as The Fool), Drew Kemp (Sir Toby Belch), Bob Norris (Sir Andrew Aguecheek) and Lindsay Anderson (Maria). Gallacher suspects those who missed last year’s production, will be blown away by the
Sherwood House
Furnish Bedroo ed One Respite m Suite welcom e!
Independent Retirement Living with Services
A Cruise down the Nile f
Armchair Travels
with Shane Davies
Sunday, July 21st at 2:00 pm Everyone is welcome, Refreshments will be served
Enjoying the Good Life! Living at Sherwood House means enjoying the good life…delicious, chef prepared meals, a variety of activities and outings with new friends, while services are delivered with a smile from the professional and caring staff. We are always having fun at Sherwood House. What are you waiting for?!
Join us for your complimentary lunch & tour! Call today to book your reservation 250-715-0116 280 Government Street | Duncan, BC V9L 0B5 | 250-715-0116
www.sherwood-house.com
site’s very fitting pastoral setting. “It’s an amazingly beautiful farm,” he said. “It couldn’t fit any better with the setting of the play. And sometimes the horses will come by. “We’re also hoping the cat will make a reappearance,” he added of a curious visitor who stepped into last year’s set, a rectangular, raked, wooden stage nestled among apple trees. “And as the two first lines at the beginning state, ‘If music be the food of love, play on,’ music is a huge part of the production,” he
courtesy Alex Gallacher
said, noting Ladysmith harpist Patti Patstone’s involvement. The outdoor setting allows for only 120 folks meaning tickets are limited, warned Gallacher. Your ticket What: Shawnigan Players Twelfth Night When: 2465 Koksilah Road, Cowichan Station When: July 25, 26, and Aug. 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. July 27, 28 and Aug. 3 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $15 advance, $20 door at Ten Old Books (Duncan), Masons Store (Shawnigan)