Syrian folk tale on deck for Sum Theatre
Troupe now into its fifth season of free shows in park
A Syrian folk tale launches Sum Theatre’s fifth season of free, professional theatre in the park.
“We’re working with Saskatoon’s newest residents to do this,” says assistant director Heather Morrison. “It will be musical, it will involve large puppets, it’s going to be a dazzling show.”
Students from W.P. Bate Community School gave a boost to the announcement, singing a catchy tune along with cast members Lancelot Knight and Krystle Pederson from the play The Woodcutter and the Lion.
The theatre takes its production to more than 20 city parks from July 3 to 28. Past productions include Little Badger and the Fire Spirit, Hercules, the Pied Piper and Alice in Wonderland. More than 24,000 people have attended over the past four years.
“It’s great that we’ve reached this milestone,” Morrison said of turning five. “It’s been building every single year and we’re so lucky. We’re so happy to be part of people’s summer traditions.”
Sum grows this summer with a second production celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday. Theatre in the Pool features the creation story Earth Diver. It features 40 youth who will spend two weeks taking swimming and theatre lessons. It runs July 19 to 21 at George Ward Pool.
Sum has also launched a fundraising campaign, Be Part of SUMthing Great. The goal is to raise $20,000 to fund more free theatre, drama classes and school workshops.
“We always really focus on positive messaging, stuff that’s uplifting and stuff that builds communities,” Morrison said.
For showtimes and places, see www.sumtheatre.com
It’s been building every single year .... We’re so happy to be part of people’s summer traditions.