The University of Winnipeg’s Department of Theatre and Film presents Forward by Chantal Bilodeau. This poetic and humorous history of our relationship to the environment uses a blend of theatre, opera, and electropop music. It will be performed by the Acting III: Honours class and directed by faculty member Hope McIntyre from February 11 to 15, 2025.
Set in Norway, Forward contrasts the initial passion that drove explorer Fridtjof Nansen to the North Pole with present-day anxiety over the rapidly changing climate. Was Nansen tempted by a desire to discover or to conquer unchartered territories? His obsession is brought to life as a passionate love affair with the character of Ice. As Nansen’s journey to the North progresses forward, we see the contemporary world move backward, with scenes spanning the year 2017 to 1893. It is an incredible journey with a cast of nine actors playing 40-plus characters whose choices leave a legacy for many generations to come.
The play is part of the Chantal Bilodeau’s Arctic Cycle series of eight plays exploring both social and environmental changes in the Arctic states. Originally from Montreal, Bilodeau is also the founding artistic director of the Arts & Climate Initiative and has been recognized by Audubon magazine as a trailblazer who is changing the climate conversation.
Responsible theatre practices
This production is also a pilot project for responsible theatre practices. It will focus on accessibility and sustainability initiatives. For the first time, the UWinnipeg Department of Theatre and Film will offer a relaxed/sensory-friendly performance, in addition to ASL interpretation and an audio described performance. In order to remain true to the content of the play, environmentally sustainable practices are being used in the rehearsal and production of the performance.
This University of Winnipeg’s production features costume design by student Raphael Estillore, set design by student Esther Gacheru, and lighting design by professional Ksenia Broda-Milian. All technical work is done by both junior and senior production students.
Tickets and showtimes
Forward runs Tuesday, February 11 through Saturday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m. each evening at the Asper Centre for Theatre and Film (400 Colony Street, enter from Balmoral). February 12 will be a relaxed/sensory-friendly performance. February 13 will include ASL interpretation and a post-show talkback with the Centre for Research in Cultural Studies (CRiCS). February 15 will be an audio described performance with VIEW (Vocal Image Ensemble Winnipeg). The performance is about 90 minutes without intermission.
Admission is free, but reservations are recommended. Please call the 24-hour Reservation Line at 204.786.9152 or visit UWinnipeg’s Department of Theatre and Film website at http://theatre.uwinnipeg.ca
