SNTC going under the big top
- EFN Staff | January 30, 2015
The Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company will be spending plenty of time in a tent down by the river this summer. No, they are not homeless, they are partnering in the production of The Tragedy of Othello at this year’s Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan.
According to Will Brooks, Artistic Producer of Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, it was a no brainer who he wanted to work with when it came to the play Othello.
“It’s a play about race and some of those heavy issues. It only made sense to do that in a First Nations context in Saskatchewan because it is a conversation that we need to have. I really love partnerships and hooking up with other communities. And the obvious choice was SNTC. They are a fantastic community partner and a great part of Saskatoon,” said Brooks.
Relaying themes of race, jealousy, love, and hatred in a modern context, the innovative writers have changed Army General Moor of Venice into the ultra-modern Cree Business Executive of Venice Inc. Othello is played by an experienced and versatile Cree actor coming from Manitoba Michael Lawrenchuk. And there is more.
“To continue our pledge as First Nations' language keepers, SNTC is pleased to bring the Cree translations to the table in our partnership with Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan,” said Daniel Knight, SNTC’s publicity and community relations director. “Patrons will be in for a treat as they hear Shakespeare’s poetic words intertwined into the natural rhythms and music of the Cree language.”
Parts of the play will be subtitled. The festival is also presenting Much Ado About Nothing this season. There is a new seating and stage that will have clearer sightlines to see the action, shorter entrances, and put the audience up close and personal with Shakespeare’s greatest heroes and villains.
Behind the scenes, the Shakespeare festival is also taking on several interns from SNTC.
“Along with artistic consultation and Cree language integration, an exciting aspect of this new partnership is a mentorship opportunity for three of SNTC’s brightest emerging artists: Aaron Shingoose (Production Design Assistant), Ingrid Gomez (Assistant Director) and Chris Mason (Costume Design Assistant),” added Brooks.
Be sure to check out SNTC's latest production, The House You Build.
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