WINNIPEG—Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night will be given a new twist in an upcoming production at the University of Winnipeg. Originally written for a company of men and boys, a number of recent productions have demonstrated that all-male casting enhances the play’s ambiguities and ironies. In a novel reversal, UWinnipeg has cast 10 women, a shift that is expected to be equally effective in highlighting the confusions of desire and gender at the heart of this fascinating play.
The play will be directed by renowned British actor Henry Woolf, whose definitive performances in the plays of Pinter were among the highlights of the Manitoba Theatre Centre’s recent PinterFest. Woolf, a life-long friend of Pinter, has had a distinguished career in both England and in North America. Famous for his acting and directing in contemporary drama, he is equally known for his Shakespearean work. From 1991-2000 he was artistic director Saskatoon’s Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival.
Set and costume design are by Kim Donald-Haverty; lighting design is by Christian Hadley and Larissa Strain.
Performances are Tuesday, April 1 through Saturday, April 5 at 8:00 p.m. nightly at the Gas Station Theatre, 445 River Avenue. Admission is free but reservations are recommended. Call our 24-hour Reservation and Information line at 204.786.9152, or visit the UWinnipeg Theatre Department website at: theatre.uwinnipeg.ca
The Department of Theatre and Drama at UWinnipeg offers programs in Acting, Design, Drama in Education, Filmmaking, Playwriting, and Production/Stage Management. Our classes are small, our programs are practical, and our faculty is comprised of highly respected and award-winning professionals who are experienced teachers and remain active in their disciplines, bringing relevant and up-to-date instruction to our students.
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Media interviews have been scheduled for Monday, March 31 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. For further information or to confirm your interview, contact Patty Hawkins at 204.786.9955.
