UNB drama program stage first production of the season November 1-4 at Memorial Hall.
Brian K.
Theatre UNB are preparing for stage their first play of the season. Criminals in Love by George F. Walker will run at Memorial Hall on the UNB campus, November 1-4 with performances nightly at 7:30 p.m.
Described as a dark comedy, Criminals in Love, is the story of a young couple eager to settle down and make a life for themselves while one family’s criminal background strives to challenge their future plans through strange and dangerous ways.
While the play is the sequel to Better Living, which was produced by the company last February as part of Fredericton’s FROSTival celebrations, audiences can easily enjoy one without having seen the other.
“At first glance, George F. Walker wrote a play about a young couple, Junior Dawson and Gail Quinn, that are coerced into helping out with the ‘family business’, which turns out to be a real test of their love,” said UNB student Joe Mason who will direct the play. “What separates this show from just a teenage love story is how eccentric and deep all the characters that Junior and Gail have the displeasure of interacting with are. Walker has the ability to make the audience question the sanity of every character at any point in the play which personally sets it apart from the ordinary.”
Theatre UNB offers many students their first taste of producing live theatre with many making their debut as actors and directors. Mason played the role of Junior Dawson last season and is excited to try his hand at directing this time around.
“After being involved in a few shows in different capacities, it seemed that directing was the only thing left to try and I couldn’t be happier I’ve been granted this opportunity,” he said. “I’d have to say my favourite aspect [as a director] would be seeing scenes come to life in front of your eyes on stage. I personally envisioned certain scenes being acted out in specific ways and when the wonderful cast accomplishes my initial vision it truly is a rewarding moment.”
Theatre UNB is the public performing branch of UNB’s drama program, which operates as part of the school’s English Department. UNB offers drama courses at every level from first to fourth year. Students can enroll in two different degree programs pursuing a Minor in Drama or a Major in English with a Concentration in Drama.
“Live theatre has gone from a hobby to a passion for me since I’ve been involved with Theatre UNB,” said Mason. “Theatre is one of the most rewarding yet demanding forms of entertainment and those who know this are often in attendance. Those who don’t know it can easily find out by coming out to see Criminals in Love.”
Criminals in Love is a dark comedy by multiple award-winning Canadian playwright George F. Walker. Directed and produced as a thesis production by the students of UNB’s Drama 4170, the play will be performed Wednesday, November 1 through Saturday, November 4 at 7:30 p.m. nightly at Memorial Hall, UNB. Tickets ($14 regular, $10 senior/underwaged, $8 for students) are available at the door.
For more information, call 506 447-3078 or email lfalken@unb.ca.
