U of L production to explore ‘Alice in Wonderland’
PERFORMANCES BEGIN TUESDAY AT DAVID SPINKS THEATRE
It’s full of childhood memories: Alice and her adventures through the “looking glass.”
But really — what do we actually know about Alice?
That’s part of the challenge faced by no less than five “Alice” performers next week, Feb. 12-16 at the University of Lethbridge. Suddenly plunged into “Wonderland,” how do they respond?
And what can audience members learn from it all?
That’s what’s intriguing about “devised” theatre, where actors become part of the creative process rather than memorizing a playwright’s script. This year, U of L students have taken on a “devised adaptation” of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale.
Director Mia van Leeuwen says a number of cast members began meeting last September to begin exploring who they’d become in Wonderland.
“With devised theatre, it’s often a long process,” she explains.
Months later, the five actors cast as Alice were added to the mix.
“We were asked to explore who Alice might be,” says Madeline Smith, one of the five. “I will be edgy, more rebellious.” She’ll enjoy exploring how women are supposed to conform to others’ expectations.
Just the same, Smith adds, all five will be wearing a blue dress.
But Wonderland’s other residents have interesting stories as well.
“Wonderland is full of amazing characters,” the director says — and puzzling situations.
“They’re for the characters to explore.”
The cast of 22, she adds, includes longtime drama director Gail Hanrahan as the Red Queen.
Van Leeuwen, a drama professor, says devised theatre is now one of three streams of study offered to theatre arts students — along with directing and acting. Students in other disciplines are welcome to select one as part of their liberal arts program.
It’s a drama style that’s become increasingly popular, she adds, with a number of Calgary theatre companies making it part of their season.
In “Alice,” ideas are also explored through “performing objects,” masks and movement.
A puzzling set, including rich fabric panels and objects high in the sky, stimulates more intrigue.
Performances, staged in the David Spinks Theatre, are set for 7:30 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday, plus a 2 p.m. matinee on the final day. Tickets are available from the U of L box offices at the downtown Penny Building or on campus, online from
ulethbridge.ca/tickets or by phone at 403-329-2616.