NoveEMBER 19, 2004

THE CADRE © 7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Well, UPEI Theatre Society is getting ready to tread the boards of Charlottetown Rural High School this week when they introduce the Island © to Doctor Faustus — the story ofa man who sells his soul to Satan for infinite knowledge... among other things.

Play director Marieve MacGregor says the show is bound to delight even the most skeptical theatre viewer. It has really come together for having sucha short production time. She added everyone who comes should see the hard work that was put into it... and they should bring their best friend.

“Everyone and their dog should come and see this show. We’ve been working our asses off for two months to pull this thing together, and it looks pretty good for such a short period of time. The costumes look extraordinary, the special effects are thrilling, and the music adds layers I’d never dreamed of. You'll definitely get chills, laugh, and be drawn into this world of demons and magic. It’s an addictive play and highly entertaining. And I’m not just saying that because it’s my baby.”

The fledgling director said after analyzing and studying various media- it was about time she took on a challenge like this. The performer, who has a background in dance, says she depended greatly on body movements to get the points of the play across. She really hopes others enjoy it.

“T’ve been critiquing other shows for so long it was time for me to step up and prove that I could pull something together like this. I just hope that others will enjoy my interpretation of Faustus. Though I’ve kept to the time period of the late 16" century and I’ve

Doctor Faustus Goes To Hell

followed the stage directions fairly closely, there are some distinct elements dispersed throughout the show. I come from a dance background and there is no way that dance could not be a huge part of the show... If I cannot get the message across with the words, then the body language will surely give ita leap. That’s not to say that everyone will be flailing wildly throughout the whole of the production, but I’ve definitely incorporated the movements into the blocking specifically for the audience’s benefit. Faustus is a difficult play and body language speaks volumes to an audience.” -

As thrilled as she is about opening night, MacGregor says she can relate to Faustus. She compared bearing her play to the world with putting her soul on trial... but she loves

ie

“T am terrified about opening night. But that is the thrill of theatre. That’s what keeps me coming back. It’s all the excitement of what will happen during live theatre. This one holds even more suspense for me since it’s my vision going up there. Personally, I feel

like ’m putting my soul on trial, and it’s in the hands of the actors and crew members to present my soul the way I have laid it out. It is for the audience to judge my soul. Even though that’s entirely all in my own head, andI know it’s just a play and the audience won’t be judging me directly or even judging anything at all per se, it’s how it feels.” _ MacGregor said her first large- scale directing venture has given her the confidence to take on bigger, better ventures. “This is my first rather large show and it’s both the scariest and most exciting thing in the world for me. If

anything, directing this play has been

one of the biggest challenges and learning experiences of my life. This is the course I wish to take in life. This is only the beginning for me. I had to start somewhere, and I’m glad I started here. It was just daunting enough ofa task to get me started. Now I feel like I’m playing the Faustus role, as Inow know I can do this, why, I can do anything! Give me 500 people to manage next time! Bring it on!!”

But first, she’s got some less lofty activities in mind that will help herrelease some pent up emotion that has been building for the last few weeks.

“T am going to drink a massive amount. I’m not alcoholic, and don’t drink often at all. But if I can say anything, my university experience has truly helped increase my vodka tolerance.”

“Besides that, I'll probably be a bit relieved. I think P'll have a good cry. Tears of joy, really. It’s a huge emotional experience, doing this directing thing for the first time, and it’s taken a lot out of me. I’ve developed a nasty eye twitch.”

With good reason, there were 50 UPEI students and professors involved

in the production. The students came from every department and faculty on campus, and they participated in every aspect of this play: acting, producing, singing, dancing, lighting, costuming, prop handling, sound effects, special effects, etc.

The show stars Greg Chandler as Doctor Faustus and Caroline Hewson as Mephistopheles. The show runs from Thursday, November 18 to Saturday, November 20 at Charlottetown Rural High School. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and showtime is at 8. For more information, contact Marieve MacGregor at:

upei_theatre@hotmail.com

Vagina Monologue

Auditions

Open call for women interested in being in the fifth annual production of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues. No experience necessary - just enthusiasm, an inclination to have the best.time of your life, and a desire to assist in raising money for groups who help women and children who are victims of violence!! Auditions will be held Saturday, November 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. E-mail Ruth at rfreeman@upei.ca, for more information or an audition time.

Attention Writers

There are openings in the final workshop of the PEI Writers’ Guild series: Beth Janzen, “Are We There Yet?” - Revision as Journey. Poets of all levels of experience are welcome. It takes place on Monday, November 22, 7-10 p.m., in the faculty lounge of the Main Building. To register contact Dianne Morrow at morrow@isn.net or 672-2013.