The first main-stage production of the UFV Theatre season will be a spellbinding adaptation of The Arabian Nights by American playwright Mary Zimmerman.
This critically acclaimed work re-examines the fascinating tale of Scheherazade. In the wake of discovering his queen’s infidelity cruel King Shahryar has soured on all womankind.
Then there’s no one left but clever Scheherazade. Can her 1001 cliffhanger stories keep her alive?
This production promises to be feast for the senses, featuring colourful costumes, live music and exotic dances.
The Arabian Nights, which will be directed by University of the Fraser Valley Theatre department member Heather Robertson, features a talented cast of UFV Theatre students with each performer playing a variety of roles. The leading roles of Scheherazade and King Sharyar will be played by Kat Beswick and Josh Tompke. Other performers include: Turkish twins Bertan and Serkan Baruh, Spenser Densmore, Kyra Esau, Aaron Froc, Eli Funk, Nial Harrison- Morry, Tim Howe, Rae MacEachern, Kirk MacFarlane, Rebecca Mackenzie, Rachel Mah, Madison McArthur, Cassy Penner, Dylan Schroeder, Ali Shewan and Kyle Wipp.
Set and costumes for The Arabian Nights are designed by former UFV Theatre student Jay Havens, who now works as a professional designer in the Vancouver theatre community. Lighting design is by Sandy Tait and stage manager is Gabriel Kirkley. Live musical accompaniment for this production will be provided by Leanne Atley on violin and percussion and Bryce Bennett on keyboard and percussion.
The Arabian Nights opens on Friday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m.. in the theatre on the Chilliwack campus of UFV, with half-price previews Wednesday and Thursday Nov. 9 and 10 and plays Nov. 12,17,18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on Sunday Nov. 20 and 27 at 2 p.m. and Monday Nov. 21 at 12 noon. Warning: PG.13. Ticket prices $9 to $20. Season tickets are also still available including the other two shows of the season Dead Man’s Cell Phone and As You Like It, 604-795-2814 or email to theatre@ufv.ca or www.ufv.ca/theatre
