Trevor Schmidt has one of those quirky, creative minds that works in mysterious, but compelling ways.
As artistic director of Northern Light Theatre he’s programmed a season that features three Canadian plays with a focus on women and power.
And Schmidt is launching the season with the world premiere of Cleopatra’s Sister, a dramatic and emotional meeting where the two siblings battle over a nation and its throne.
Cleopatra and Arsinoe are sisters and rivals, but only one can wield the crook and flail as the undisputed ruler. Both are feminists long ahead of their time. But what would have happened if Arsinoe had seized power and Cleopatra became relegated to a footnote in history?
Written and directed by Schmidt, this two-hander stars Nadien Chu and Sylvia Wong with special guests Booming Tree Taiko Drum Group.
Cleopatra’s Sister runs from Nov. 4 to 12 at the PCL Studio in the TransAlta Arts Barns, 10330 – 84 Ave. Tickets range from $20 to $27. Call NLT at 780-471-1586 or purchase online at www.northernlighttheatre.com.
Shadow Theatre celebrates its 20th anniversary with a new production of Bless You, Billy Wilder opening at the Varscona Theatre on Nov. 2.
David Belke, Shadow Theatre’s resident playwright, first debuted his creation at the 2002 Edmonton Fringe and it has since been performed in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Patience Hausfelder (Kendra Connor) is a shy artist who grew up in an isolated religious colony. She interviews for a position to assist a Hollywood type Emil Dyer (Troy O’Donnell) to help with a film restoration project.
While at first glance the play is about two artists, it quickly delves into exploring mental illness and obsessive-compulsive disorder as these two disconnected individuals forge a friendship that gives them courage and wisdom.
Tickets for Bless You, Billy Wilder are $12 to $26. Call 780-420-1757 or purchase online at: www.tixonthesquare.ca.
Teaming up with Alberta Ballet, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet is on a cross-Canada tour with its interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.
A multi-media event, it brings together the campy characters of the Queen of Hearts, the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter skilfully blended into original story’s dark and surreal elements.
Acclaimed choreographer Shawn Hounsell and a creative team that includes Alberta-based composer John Estacio take this project to fresh heights.
Alice runs at the Jubilee Auditorium Nov. 4 and 5. Tickets start at $27 for adults. Call 780-428-6839 or purchase online at www.albertaballet.com.
The Mill Creek Colliery Band puts is new season into gear with A Tribute to Malcolm Forsythe on Saturday, Nov. 5 at McDougall United Church.
Juno award winning Dr. Malcolm Forsythe was the 28-piece brass band’s long-time conductor until he recently passed away.
Guest conductor Dr. Fordyce Pier will lead the band in the world premiere of Forsythe’s last composition, Nocturne No. 16. The band will also feature several other Forsythe works including Suite of Dances from Terpsichore and Musical Priest.
Cam Martin (soprano coronet) and Kenneth Pierce (bass trombone) from the Royal Canadian Artillery Band are also a part of this year’s ensemble.
The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $14 to $18. Call 780-420-1757 or purchase online at: www.tixonthesquare.ca.
