It is not often you get to see an epic fantasy on stage, but the haunting, hilarious tale of the dysfunctional House of Groan fits the bill.
The student mainstage production of Gormenghast — adapted from Mervyn Peake’s UK cult classic fantasy trilogy — will run Nov. 11-19 at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts in downtown St. Catharines.
In a world bound by iron laws, where ancient ritual and order reigns supreme and the governing motto is “No Change!”, two youth rise up to shake the castle walls: Titus Groan, the rebellious seventy-seventh Earl and heir to the decaying castle; and Steerpike, a conniving kitchen boy, determined to rise above his lowly position to control the House of Groan.
Directed by Mike Griffin and designed by David Vivian, Director of the School of Fine and Performing Arts, Gormenghast showcases students in the Department of Dramatic Arts. Performers include Elizabeth Pereira, Kaylyn Valdez-Scott, Matthew Lazarus-Brunner, Sarah Marks, Sarah Bradford, Jonah McGrath, Helena Ciuciura, Candice Burn, Caroline Coon, Mark Dickinson, Lianne Major, Katherine Oswald, Emma McCormick, Rachelle Scott, Jazmine Jeffrey and Meryl Ochoa.
“If you like the crazy worlds of Tim Burton, you’ll enjoy this!” says director Griffin. “A fun, bizarre, and twisted piece, Gormenghast explores a collage of theatrical styles including physical theatre, melodrama, Grand Guignol, puppetry and more.”
Performances on Nov. 11, 12, 18, 19 begin at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 13 at 2 p.m.; and Nov. 18 at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $18 adults; $15 students/seniors; $12 Groups (10+); $5 eyeGo high school program, and are available through the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre Box Office at 905.688.0722, or online: https://firstontariopac.ca/Online/article/brockuniversity_Dramatic_arts or via email: boxoffice@firstontariopac.ca
Such programs from the Department of Dramatic Arts are an integral part of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts’ mandate in building connections between the community and the breadth of talent and creativity at Brock University.
