Courtenay Little Theatre’s much-anticipated production of Half Life by John Mighton is now in rehearsal.
This wonderful Canadian play is sure to be another successful production for the award-winning company. Set in a seniors’ care centre, Half Life is a touching drama which shows both the humour and poignancy of our lives as we age.
What do we remember? What really happened and what did we want to happen? How do we handle memories that are beautiful and those that are painful? What decisions should parents make for themselves as they grow old and what should be decided for them?
In addition to winning the Governor General’s Award for Best Canadian Play, Half Life has helped garner several outstanding prizes for its author. These include the lucrative Siminovitch Award for $100,000 and the prestigious Dora Award for Best Play in Toronto.
Director Stephen Hill handles the moving story with gentleness and sensitivity. In his work as pastor at St. Joseph’s General Hospital, the needs of elderly residents are well known to him.
His concept for the fluid set has been beautifully realized by Andy Thomas and Claire Fisher. With costumes by Molly Hillier and wigs and makeup by Catherine Olshaski and Nancy Parker, the actors have a strong base from which to create their characters.
The main roles of Clara and Patrick are played by CLT president Kirstin Humpherys and Bill Walton. Tracey Hill and Sidney Pickard, a welcome newcomer to CLT, play their mid-life children.
Half Life will be performed in the Sid Williams Theatre from April 14 to 23 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on April 16 at 2 p.m.
Tickets, $18 adult and $15 student, are available at the theatre box office, 240-338-2420, or online at www.sidwilliamstheatre.com.
— Courtenay Little Theatre
