If We Are Women
by Joanna McClelland Glass
directed by Bonnie Hartley
February 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17 & 18, 2006
Some mature language and content
Two grandmothers, a daughter, and a granddaughter gather on the deck of a beach house. The three older women discuss their pasts and present poignantly and humourously as they attempt to pass down the wisdom of their years. When the granddaughter disregards all that she hears, the prairie grandmother observes that "every time a kid is born, we start from zero." "Elegant and eloquent theatre." - Toronto Star. Sponsored by Innovative Graphics, Tel: 533-0669
If We Are Women with (l to r) Dalene Flannigan, Joanne Lubansky Johns, Tomara Patchett and Lucy Williams.
Cast
- Lucy Williams as Ruth MacMillan
- Joanne Lubansky Johns as Rachel Cohen
- Dalene Flannigan as Jessica MacMillan Cohen
- Tomara Patchett as Polley Cohen
If We Are Women: Our Raked Stage
Jim Hartley, the set designer for If We Are Women, has chosen to use a 'raked' platform for this production. This means that the deck is on a slope rising two feet from front to back. From the 17th to 19th century theatre stages were traditionally raked as much as 30° giving rise to the terms upstage and downstage. In modern theatres the auditorium is raked to facilitate the audience's view.
Working on a sloped stage requires some interesting adaptations from the actors, set, décor and lighting crews, but creates a unique visual experience for the audience. The last time we used a raked stage at Theatre Woodstock was for Saltwater Moon in 1992.
Winter Theatre
The February production always has the additional challenges of winter weather. With two actors from London, one from Cambridge, and production crew from Ingersoll and Hickson, winter driving becomes a factor. Thus far we've had to cancel two rehearsals. So in addition to the time these wonderful people donate to learning lines, rehearsing, painting, building etc. - as you watch the show, keep in mind that they often had to brave difficult weather and drive a considerable distance to be here. "Neither snow, nor rain..."
