The University of Winnipeg Department of Theatre and Film presents its second play of the current theatre season, Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Directed by faculty member, Rick Skene, the play features students in the third-year Honours Acting class with technical and production support provided by senior production students.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, photo supplied
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead is a hilarious, absurdist tragicomedy set against the backdrop of Shakespeare’s iconic play, Hamlet. This mind-bending sit com sees two hapless insignificant characters, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, take centre stage. Finding themselves increasingly out of their depth and struggling to reconcile their minor character status, the reluctant protagonists stumble their way in and out of the action of Hamlet. In a literary hall of mirrors, Stoppard’s brilliantly funny, existential comedy sees us witness the ultimate identity crisis. Adding to the hilarity and mayhem, our production exploits the existing confusion already inherent in the play with the entire cast taking turns as our comic heroes.
“If Samuel Beckett were funnier he may have written this play,” says director Rick Skene.
Skene is a seasoned director, writer and filmmaker and teaches both acting and filmmaking at UWinnipeg. He is Winnipeg’s preeminent stunt coordinator and stage fight director for film, television, and theatre and was the founder and former Artistic Director of the Mimeworks physical theatre company.
The set is designed by senior design student Rebekah Enns. Costumes are designed by costuming instructor Lauren Martin. Lighting design is by design instructor Sean E. McMullen.
Performances are scheduled in a split run: Friday, February 10 to Sunday, February 12 AND Wednesday, February 15 to Friday, February 17. Showtime is 8:00 pm nightly EXCEPT Friday, Feb 17 at 7:00 pm. Performances run at the Asper Centre for Theatre and Film, 400 Colony St. Admission is free. Reservations (recommended): 204-786-9152 (24 hours) or http://theatre.uwinnipeg.ca.
Based in the Asper Centre for Theatre and Film at The University of Winnipeg, the Department of Theatre and Film offers concentrations in Acting, Design, Drama in Education, Filmmaking, Playwriting, and Production/Stage Management. Our classes are small and our approach is practical. 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.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Patty Hawkins, Department of Theatre and Film, University of Winnipeg
T: 204.786.9955, E: p.hawkins@uwinnipeg.ca
Rick Skene, Department of Theatre and Film, University of Winnipeg
T: 204-786-9486, E: rickskene@shaw.ca
