WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg’s Department of Theatre and Film opens its 2011/12 theatre season November 22 to 26, 2011 with Frank Langella’s Cyrano, an adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano De Bergerac. Cyrano De Bergerac is the classic romantic tale of a swashbuckling poet whose love for Roxanne is thwarted by his absurdly long nose. Set in Paris in the late 1600s, it is a tale of romance, swordplay, and star-crossed lovers.
“This adaptation is wonderfully crafted,” says director Rick Skene who also handles the fight direction and choreography for the production. “The script has been masterfully edited down to less than two thirds of its normal three-hour running time. The economy of the piece clarifies the action which makes the passions and the intertwining of fates even more poignant. For me,” he adds, “the ageless appeal of Cyrano seems to lie in the audience’s ongoing recognition that we are all, to some extent, Cyrano, struggling against the subtle oppressions of our own world to remain free and follow our hearts.
“I have chosen to press this observation into a metaphor while handing the class a great acting challenge. With the use of Cyrano masks throughout the evening, each actor takes a turn as the swashbuckling poet. As a theatrical piece this works perfectly, for throughout the play Cyrano is many things: poet, philosopher, lover, swordsman – he seems to evolve and reinvent himself in every new scene. In rehearsal, it has been fascinating watching the actors bring unique perspectives and sensibilities to each of these scenes.”
The set and costumes are designed by Sean McMullen. The lighting design is by Tim Babcock.
Performance times
Performances are Tuesday, November 22 through Friday, November 25 at 8:00 pm and Saturday, November 26 at 7:00 pm at the Gas Station Arts Centre, 445 River Avenue. Admission is free but reservations are recommended.
Please call our 24-hour Reservation and Information Line at 204.786.9152 or visit The University of Winnipeg’s Department of Theatre and Film website at: http://theatre.uwinnipeg.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Patty Hawkins, Department of Theatre and Film
The University of Winnipeg
T: 204.786.9955
p.hawkins@uwinnipeg.ca
