The Last Wife
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September 20— October 16 2016 The Last Wife BY KATE HENNIG SEASON SPONSORS PRODUCTION SPONSORS STORIES SO BIG THEY HAVE TO BE SUNG! 16 /17 OPERA SEASON Verdi Mozart SIMON BOCCANEGRA THE MAGIC FLUTE October 13, 15, 19, 21, 23 / 2016 February 16, 18, 22, 24, 26 / 2017 Bouchard/March LES FELUETTES (LILIES) April 20, 22, 28, 30 / 2017 Tickets start at $25 – call today! 250.385.0222 / 250.386.6121 / www.pov.bc.ca SEASON ANNUAL OPERATING SPONSOR: GRANTS PROVIDED BY: Ivan Habel and Michael Shamata Photo by Jo-Ann Richards, Works Photography Artistic Director’s Notes Notes from the Executive Director Welcome back! The Last Wife uses the world of power and politics as the foundation of its story. The I was reminded over the course of last struggle of politics, power and shifting season’s 40th Anniversary celebrations – or priorities is not unlike running a non-profit more correctly, I was made truly aware – just performing arts organization: the challenge how much people love this theatre, and what is responding to the shifting priorities of a very special role it plays in our community. a constituency, while balancing a longer People wanted to celebrate the Belfry’s term view and the necessities of an internal anniversary and its accomplishments – mission and mandate. including the very fact that it has weathered What are the strategic objectives, and which the ups and downs of any arts organization decisions lead to the successful paths? For – and survived! the Belfry, the path is consistent with our I feel incredibly honoured to be at the history: make our artists and patrons as artistic helm of this remarkable theatre. engaged and comfortable as possible by It is a responsibility I take seriously, and providing them with programming that I hope that I continue to connect with you captures their imaginations and a space that and your sensibilities, and deliver pieces of provides comfort. theatre that give you something to be excited We are pleased to share with you the about and something to think about. experience of new seating as the start of Which brings us to The Last Wife. Let us an exciting plan for the next stage in the now praise famous women. Or, at least, development of this extraordinary building and company. Next summer brings changes women who should be famous. Or women to our lobby, concession, washrooms and our who should be more famous than they ability to serve and make you comfortable are – and for their own accomplishments – in this our beautiful home. We know you’ll not simply for being married to famous men. support and enjoy these changes as much as Katherine Parr was one of the world’s great I’m sure you will this play and our season. women, and I am thrilled to get to know her. Welcome to our 41st season and the start History re-examined from the point of view of the next great 40 years of contemporary of its female protagonists… may you engage theatre in Victoria. and enjoy! Our $1Million Capital Campaign We have a contribution of $340,000 from the will transform the Belfry into a Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, provided we match the amount. This is where we more thriving and vibrant space need your help. Your gift will double the impact. for future generations to enjoy! All gifts to the $1Million Capital Campaign over You may be reading this from the cosiness of our $100 will be recognized in our house programs new theatre seats. Replacing our old seats was and larger gifts on our Capital Campaign lobby the first stage of our campaign to improve patron recognition board. comfort and enhance your theatre experience. We also have naming opportunities available. The next stage is extending our lobby with a Talk to us about what is possible and you could glass roofed atrium and updating the concession put your name on a piece of the Belfry. with better equipment and a new layout. Sound You can make a donation at the Box Office, insulation will be improved between the lobby speak with Susan or Judi at 250-385-6835, email and theatre, and the women’s washroom facilities [email protected] or donate on our will be extended. The wheelchair ramp will be website www.belfry.bc.ca/donate resurfaced, have better lighting, and a new canopy at the side approach to the Belfry. Please step forward and make your pledge today! This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. Afterplay discussion following thisjoin evening’s usPlease for an The Belfry Theatre presents (See pageperformance. 7 for details) The Last Wife by Kate Hennig Cast (in alphabetical order) Sean Baek Thomas Oliver Becker Henry Ellis James Frank Edward Anie Richer Mary Celine Stubel Kate Mahalia Golnosh Tahririha Bess Director Esther Jun Set and Costume Designer Shannon Lea Doyle Lighting Designer Martin Conboy Sound Designer John Gzowski Stage Manager Jennifer Swan Assistant Stage Manager Jessica McLeod Fight Director Nicholas Harrison There will be one fifteen minute intermission. The Last Wife is a co-production with The Great Canadian Theatre Company in Ottawa, Ontario. The Last Wife is staged by arrangement with Emma Laird, Gary Goddard Agency, www.garygoddardagency.com. The Last Wife was originally produced by the Stratford Festival of Stratford, Ontario, and premiered there on August 14th, 2015. Antoni Cimolino, Artistic Director and Anita Gaffney, Executive Director. The use of video or audio recording devices is strictly prohibited at all times. The Last Wife is generously sponsored by: Season Sponsors Public Funders The Belfry Theatre is a registered Canadian charity, 11921 5549 RR0001. The Belfry Theatre is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and engages under the terms of the Canadian Theatre Agreement professional artists who are members of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association. The Belfry Theatre is a member of the Theatre Communications Group, USA., Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and the Professional Arts Alliance of Great Victoria. Please enjoy the performance. Melina Boucher RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES NEWPORT REALTY LTD Providing a complimentary marketing package. So your home will be presented at its finest. Staging, Photography, HD Video Tours, Floor Plans, Brochures, Print & Web Marketing. Please visit MelinaBoucher.ca to find out more. Sold! Fairfield Character Home Sold! Fairfield Mid Century Style Sold! Fairfield Character Home millennia Explore the wonder of Asian art through the ages SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 TO MARCH 31, 2017 from the world-renowned AGGV Collection. 1040 Moss Street aggv.ca Generously Supported By: Pair of Fu Lions (detail) | Qing dynasty, circa 1800cloisonné, ht. 37.5 cm | Gift of Mrs. E.H. Gudewill, AGGV 1997.49.001 AG871_Millennia_Belfry.indd 1 2016-08-31 4:50 PM AFTERPLAY Discussions Extend your enjoyment of the Belfry and this play. Following all evening performances,* you’re invited to join us “stage-side” for a lively discussion with fellow audience members about the play. You are welcome to take part in the conversation or just listen in. Afterplay lasts about 15 minutes. We hope you’ll join us for this popular activity! *There are no Afterplay discussions following Opening Night performances and matinees. Nota Bene: The music for The Last Wife is almost entirely interpretations of the compositions of Henry VIII. The Last Wife is an imagining of history. Oh yes, it’s based on actual people and events, and while portions of it are deliciously accurate, some bits may offend the historically precise among you, while still others are completely and utterly fabricated. My priority in choosing must always favour the dramatic. —kate hennig Post-Script Katherine Parr died of puerperal fever on Edward VI reigned from 1547 until his September 5, 1548. She was the first woman death on July 6, 1553. He was nine years to publish her own writing, under her own old when he became king. He left Lady Jane name, in the English language. She was Grey as his heir, attempting to disinherit his an avid religious reformist, a patroness of sisters, Mary and Elizabeth. arts and education, and a lover of fabulous Mary I (Bloody Mary) was the first reigning clothes. Her motto was: “To be useful in Queen of England, from 1553 to her death all I do.” of influenza on November 17, 1558. She Thomas Seymour was tried on thirty-three married Philip II of Spain to secure land counts of treason. Elizabeth was questioned and riches for England and to beget a as a possible co-conspirator during his trial. Catholic heir. She had two false pregnancies She was exonerated. He was found guilty (possibly cysts or uterine cancer) and left the and was executed on March 20, 1549. kingdom to her sister, Elizabeth. Her motto His sentence was signed by his nephew, was: “Truth is the daughter of Time.” Edward VI. Elizabeth I (The Virgin Queen; Gloriana; Henry VIII reigned from 1509 to his death Good Queen Bess) reigned from 1558 until on January 28, 1547. He was a poet, a her death on March 24, 1603. She was songwriter/musician, and was purported to moderate, tolerant, perhaps indecisive, and have enjoyed needlework. The wound on his a lover of plays. A cult grew up around her leg may have been caused by garters that he virginity in the latter part of her reign. She wore to show off his calves. was the last of the Tudor line. Her motto was: “Always the same.” Belfry Theatre Staff Front of House Manager Jane Broomfield Board of Directors Venue Technician Ben Burrow President Helen Lansdowne Box Office Clerk Sarah Catterall Vice President Dr.