One of Shakespeare芒鈧劉s most epic tales of greed, corruption, patriotism, and collusion goes on stage throughout July as Bard in Valley芒鈧劉s (BIV) fifth production.
Julius Caesar comes to life with the help of producer Diane Gendron, director Darcy J. Knopp, and among a number of volunteers, former H.D. Stafford Secondary teacher and BIV co-technical director Ron Williams.
Taking place on three stages this summer, the performance puts a lot of pressure on Williams to ensure everything goes off without a hitch, making him the star behind the scenes.
芒鈧揥hen you do theatre for 28 years, you芒鈧劉ve probably had every problem you can think of,芒鈧� Williams noted. 芒鈧揧ou have to do it all when you芒鈧劉re the drama teacher.芒鈧�
As the theatre and drama teacher at H.D. Stafford, Williams found himself filling many roles during his teaching career.
It gives him the ability to respond to the needs of an intense performance like Julius Caesar.
Those unfamiliar with the play will find it contains the first use of well-known lines like: 芒鈧揈t tu, Bute?芒鈧�, 芒鈧揑t was Greek to me芒鈧�, and 芒鈧揊riends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears.芒鈧�
Based on the political rise and fall of an empire more than 2,000 years ago, the story focuses on the assassination of the Roman leader and the internal and external conflicts that arise before, during, and after Caesar芒鈧劉s death.
While Caesar may hold the title name, it is Brutus who takes centre stage which means technical skill as well as acting must come into play for those in front of and behind the scenes.
Williams downplays his own part in the production, instead focusing on the accomplishments of the others involved.
芒鈧揑芒鈧劉ve been really, really impressed with the dedication of the young people,芒鈧� he said of his fellow volunteers.
芒鈧揑t芒鈧劉s nice to see these kids succeeding and doing well.芒鈧�
The producer recognizes the skill Williams brings.
芒鈧揃ard in the Valley is fortunate to have Ron Williams on our team. He brings a great depth of theatrical knowledge and expertise to our productions and to the BIV board,芒鈧� Dianne Gendron said.
Williams contributed to the development of others on the BIV team. He taught technician Erik Jensen, one of the BIV board members, and Knopp who is the director of the production.
芒鈧揇arcy, who is the director, was a student of mine from Grade 8 to 12,芒鈧� Williams said. 芒鈧揑 think Darcy芒鈧劉s brought such an edge to it [the play].芒鈧�
91原创 residents make up eight of the cast members including the pivotal roles of Brutus and Portia, yet it takes many others to bring the performance to life.
芒鈧揃ard in the Valley is able to continue to bring this exciting summer theatre to 91原创 because of the wonderful support from the community and the 60 talented and dedicated cast, crew, and production team who volunteer their time and energy for the season, because we want to give something worthwhile back to the community,芒鈧� noted Gendron.
See the production free on July 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, and Aug. 1, 2, and 3 on the Spirit Square stage at Douglas Park at 7 pm. or 2 p.m. for Sunday matinees.
The Township 7 Winery presents Julius Caesar for $20 on July 11, 12, 18, 19, and 20 at 7 p.m. or 2 p.m. for the Sunday matinee.
Reserve tickets at www.club7.township7.com/store. See www.bardinthevalley.com for full details.
