"This programming change was a well-examined decision made in response to scheduling conflicts," explained Kathleen Weiss, Department of Drama Chair and Artistic Director of U of A Studio Theatre. "I am thrilled we are able to engage Micheline Chevrier, a vastly experienced Canadian theatre professional, to join us this season."
For more than 30 years, Micheline Chevrier has worked across Canada as a director, artistic director and dramaturg. As a director, she has worked in a variety of professional theatres ranging from large festivals to creation-based companies, and from major regional theatres to theatre for young audiences. Her work has been seen at such theatres as the Shaw Festival, the National Arts Centre, Theatre Calgary, Alberta Theatre Projects, the Citadel Theatre, the Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, Théâtre français de Toronto and Theatre New Brunswick, among others. She has also worked abroad with BeMe productions in Barcelona and Munich.
The play Saint Joan is based on the life and trial of Joan of Arc and fits into the 2012-13 season's theme of 'Power to the Theatre.' "It is a great political classic in the theatrical canon, with weight, depth and range. For the actors, it offers sophisticated, rich characters and the chance to work with formal language. It will challenge our students and our audiences in the best way," said Weiss.
For the U of A Studio Theatre production, female acting students will be cast in the male character roles in what guest director Chevrier describes as actors playing the icons the characters represent: Church, State and Army. "I am absolutely committed to this kind of gender-blind casting and I believe the University of Alberta should take a leadership role in promoting it," Weiss said. "I am very confident, with Micheline Chevrier at the directing helm, that Saint Joan will be an outstanding theatrical experience for all."
The U of A Studio Theatre season on the Timms Centre main stage showcases a company of Canada's leading university students in acting, directing, design, vocal coaching, technical theatre and stage management. Season subscriptions are $55 Student / $80 Senior / $100 Adult on-sale now through the Timms Centre for the Arts box office, or by phone at 780-492-2495.For more information, visit www.studiotheatre.ca .