The Tempest at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2018. A review.

The Tempest at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2018. A review. Under a lowering sky, brimming with the promise of pent-up rain, a feral being (an impressive Trevor Hinton as Caliban), clothed in rags and tatters, galumphs across a dry and rocky landscape—then, quickly seizing upon a small furry creature, proceeds to kill and eat it—raw. Welcome to The Tempest at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival. Director Chelsea Haberlin … [Read more...]

Pericles the Hopeful Mariner at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2018. A review.

Pericles the Hopeful Mariner at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2018. A review. Can anything compare to a beautiful summer evening, seated warm and cozy under the towering Garry Oaks of Camosun College’s Lansdowne campus, to hear the immortal words of the Bard of Avon?  It’s one of my favourite theatrical experiences—one shared by many, whether fervent Shakespeare aficionados or newcomers. It’s easy to imagine, when the narrator of … [Read more...]

Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2018. Interview with Artistic Director Karen Lee Pickett.

Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2018. Interview with Artistic Director Karen Lee Pickett. The Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival celebrates their 28th year in 2018. Now firmly established in the repertory model since 2014 under the artistic directorship of Karen Lee Pickett, they benefit from two professional mentor actors—this year, Trevor Hinton who audiences will remember from the 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons, and new to the … [Read more...]

A Summer of Theatre 2018 in Victoria BC.

A Summer of Theatre 2018 in Victoria BC.   Victoria Fringe Festival line-up at the Metro Studio Theatre. Photo: Derek Ford. Summer is a time of festivals and outdoor events, perfect for unwinding and experiencing theatre in venues outside of the "norm"--although there are still plenty of indoor shows too.  Here's the line-up as of May 29th. June All My Sons by Arthur Miller Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre May 29-June 10 Arthur … [Read more...]

Love’s Labour’s Lost at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2017. A review.

Love’s Labour’s Lost at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2017. A review. Oh to have the wit and erudition of the noble lords and ladies of Navarre and France.  Janet Munsil directs the light, airy and playful word feast, Love’s Labour’s Lost, perfect for summer viewing on the grounds of Camosun College Landsdowne campus as part of the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival (July 4-29, 2017). Be prepared for quick repartee and … [Read more...]

Macbeth at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival July 4-29, 2017. A review.

Macbeth at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival July 4-29, 2017. A review. What a treat to be ensconced in a comfortable seat, on the beautiful grounds of Camosun College Landsdowne Campus on a soft summer evening, imagining the rocky outcroppings as the Scottish Highlands, waiting for Macbeth to begin. Perhaps one of Shakespeare’s most recognized tragedies, many will have studied this work in high school or university English.  … [Read more...]

Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2017 season

Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2017 season A mainstay in summer performance in Victoria, the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival celebrates its 27th season with Macbeth  directed by Kate Rubin and Karen Lee Pickett and Love's Labour's Lost directed by Janet Munsil, and announces a new collaboration in partnership with the Township Community Arts Council (Esquimalt). There is simply something magical about being outdoors, in the … [Read more...]

Twelfth Night at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival. A review.

Twelfth Night at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival. A review. July 6-30, 2016 This iteration marks the fourth time this well-known comedy of mistaken identity is produced by the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival. Director Janet Munsil continues a long tradition of adaptation with the choice to gender-switch the cast; all the men’s roles are played by women and the women’s roles by men. There is such felicity in the decision a … [Read more...]

Victoria celebrates 400 years of Shakespeare’s legacy in 2016.

Victoria celebrates 400 years of Shakespeare's legacy in 2016 Arts companies all over the region are producing works by Shakespeare—some adapted and re-imagined—to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Bard’s death. Where There’s A Will Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival Craigdarroch Castle February 18 — 21 and 24 — 27, 8pm 2016 marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's legacy, and we are having a party! Join the … [Read more...]

Romeo and Juliet by the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival. A review.

Romeo and Juliet at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2015. A review. July 8-August 8, 2015 in Victoria BC. There is a haunting quality to director Christopher Weddell’s version of Romeo and Juliet (currently at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival on the grounds of Camosun College Landsdowne campus July 8-August 8, 2015)—a profound sense of young, headstrong, willful individuals embroiled in perilous situations far above their … [Read more...]