Sue Murguly knew from early on that she wanted to be involved in theatre. Originally from Hungary, Muguly realized after taking an acting class at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, that she was not cut out for that particular job. But at the same time she realized she had the creative flair needed for directing, an attribute shared by a character in the ECHO Players play she is currently directing, Lettice and Lovage.
“I sort of compare myself to Lettice and Lotte (character, Schoen), like Lotte would be directing and Lettice, the actor in the play. Both are creative processes but in different approaches.”
Murguly has been directing for about 25 years. Although she took directing courses in university it wasn’t until after her children went to school that she attended a play and felt the urge to be a part of a production.
She has directed everything from comedies to musicals and serious dramas. She has even directed Lettice and Lovage before, in Prince George.
Lettice and Lovage is a modern British comedy written by Peter Shaffer, also known for Equus and Amadeus. The play surrounds an unlikely friendship that forms between Lettice Douffet, a tour guide manager for a English National Trust Estate, and Schoen, who has to fire Lettice Douffet for deviating from the official tour script.
Murguly said she loves how the play breaks from the ordinary and underlines the importance of creativity, and enlivenment in every day life.
“I love the theme of it,” she said. “I love the language of the play, it is the language that gives it incredible richness and also I thought it would be a wonderful vehicle for our theatre, it suited the demographics of the theatre.”
One of Murguly’s favourite scenes in the upcoming play involves Lettice’s basement apartment, filled with props and antique pieces from her mothers old Shakespearean tour company.
“It’s quite eclectic,” she said. “We really had fun working on it.”
Murguly’s husband George designed the set, complete with a grand staircase that doubles as an office space. More information on the set coming up in The News.
Murguly said there are some very humorous parts in the play, and overall it is uplifting. She hopes people allow themselves to be taken out of the ordinary and experience the joy in the play.
“It’s a very delightful play and I know the audience will love it,” she said.
Lettice and Lovage begins on March 31 at the Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach, and runs until April 16. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. For tickets and more information call 250-752-3522, e-mail info@echoplayers.ca or visit www.echoplayers.ca. Tickets are also available at the box office.
