Directors like casting Cristina Patalas in slightly surreal projects.
First there was Mad Woman of Chaillot (2008) and then there was Crazy Face (2010).
This time around the St. Albert resident has a supporting role in Shaded Light: The History of Joseph Smith Jr. now running as part of the seventh annual New Works Festival at the University of Alberta's Timms Centre.
Patalas, a bachelor of arts drama major, plays Lucianne Decker, one of the 55 wives of Brighton Young, a member of the Church of Latter-day Saints.
"Joseph Smith was a Mormon and in the play he introduces polygamy. You see him struggling with his beliefs and whether it's right or not," Patalas explains.
Her husband Brighton is loyal to Smith and Lucianne is one of the sister wives.
"My role is very small. It's basically the comic relief. In one of the scenes, one of the sister wives and I have a conflict with the sleeping schedule. Brighton comes in and suggests we fix it by having a threesome. This contrasts very sharply with the rest of the play that is very dark and very serious."
Six plays are scheduled, providing a range of stories based on personal experience and special interests. The featured plays, usually less than one hour, cover a variety of styles from drama, comedy, musical, surrealism and mystery.
In addition to undressing plural marriages, topics look at the sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll lifestyle, twisted relationships, a marriage on the rocks, an examination of reality and delusion, and the need to hear what others say.
The festival was started not only to give novice playwrights a fresh outlet to produce their works, but also to attract new actors, directors, designers and technical support.
"This festival is a completely student run initiative. To help the festival grow and flourish, and to provide mentorship we brought on the MFA directing students. They take on one of the shows and get graded on it," says assistant festival manager Mike Machan.
The former Sturgeon Composite high student got his feet wet at the festival three years ago as stage manager for Electra. He was invited back last year as production manager and this year in the more administrative role of assistant festival manager.
"For us the festival is a chance to show off our work. It's very gratifying to hear someone in the audience appreciate the work we do."
Three plays perform on a rotating schedule every night. Tickets are $5 at the door. For a short synopsis of plays visit www.drama.ualberta.ca.
Following is a list of performances:
Night A runs Feb. 17 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. featuring:
• Shaded Light: The History of Joseph Smith Jr., written by Brendan Thompson and directed by Brett Calvert
• Exorcism, written by Blake Mayan and directed by Catherine Mednyski
• Murderers Confess at Christmas Time, written by Jason Chinn and directed by Mitchell Cushman
Night B runs Feb. 16, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. featuring:
• Lack of Attention, Total Retention, written by Sydney Gross and co-directed by Neil Kuefler and Mark Vetsch
• I See You Strangling, written by Elena Belyea and directed by Courtney Lameman
• Tinnitus, written by Nick Green and directed by Leigh Rivenbank
