If We Are Women
About the Play
Two grandmothers, a daughter, and a granddaughter gather on the deck of a beach house in Connecticut. One grandmother has flown, for the first time, from the Canadian prairie. She is an illiterate woman whose parents were homesteading pioneers. “If only I had gotten my eighth grade diploma.” Her daughter is a novelist whose lover died recently. “If only I had a college degree.” The second grandmother has driven up from Pennsylvania. She is an agnostic Jewish intellectual with a Master’s degree. “If only I had gone to Oxford.” The granddaughter is eighteen and is slated to go to Yale in the autumn. After staying out all night with a young man, she arrives on the scene to announce a reversal of plans. The three older women discuss their pasts and presents poetically, poignantly and humorously 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.
Theatre BC Zone Festival Entry 2011
If We Are Women will be part of the Theatre BC North Shore Zone festival of plays at Presentation House Theatre May 2-7, 2011, performing on Thursday, May 5. Six plays, six days, professionally adjudicated by John Cooper. Full details from 604-990-3474 or Presentation House Theatre Come and support your favourite club in this annual event.
If We Are Women is produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
Weaving in and out of real dialogue and reflection, If We Are Women takes us all into the dynamics of families and their relationships. It cuts away at the façade that exists in most families when the real truth is unspoken and experiences unresolved. Told with a gentleness but honesty Joanna McClelland Glass exposes the collision that happens when hope meets experience. When I first read this play several years ago I recognized immediately clear examples of my own family and I trust you’ll see some of your own. Relax as the play unfolds and the exploration of family values begins. The journey begins soon. – Stephen Torrence
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Thank you for joining us for another evening of wonderful theatre at Hendry Hall. This time, we present a poignant story told with wry humour through the eyes and hearts of three generations of women in the same family. It is bound to reach out and touch us all.
Remember, if you would like to be part of more than just what you see and enjoy on stage, consider becoming a member of North Van Players. Membership forms are available in the lobby. You are guaranteed to have an enjoyable and rewarding experience. – Sue Worrow
| Character | Played by |
| Ruth | Kathy Daniels – Appearing by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association |
| Rachel | Karen Golden |
| Jessica | Kristen Ross |
| Polly | Jennifer Huva |
| Director | Stephen Torrence |
| Author | Joanna McClelland Glass |
| Production Managers | Anne Marsh, Margaret Lee (Financial) |
| Stage Manager | Jelena Ikonomovic |
| Set Designer | Stephen Torrence |
| Set Construction | Gord Pope, Clive Sanders |
| Set Painters & Decorators | Glynnis Brassil, Linda Sharp, Robin Hilliard, Nancy Richer |
| Lighting Designer | Randy Poulis |
| Lighting Assistants | Andrew Klukas, Nigel Barker, Jennifer Lucas |
| Sound Designer | Stephen Torrence |
| Sound Coordinator | Anne Marsh |
| Lighting and Sound Operators | Jennifer Lucas, Nigel Barker, Sandy Branning |
| Properties | Marie Morris, Heather Macfarlane, Marilyn Ferguson |
| Properties Construction | Nancy Richer |
| Costumes | Margaret Lee, Maggie Mason |
| Make-Up Consultant | Elizabeth Aeberhardt |
| Graphic Artist | Linda Sharp |
| Publicity and Program | Anne Marsh |
| Front-of-House Coordinator | Heather Macfarlane |
| Box Office | Kim Gordon |
| Photographer | Gary Schwartz |
| Videographer | Chris Wolfe |
| Original Performance Dates | April 8 to 23, 2011 |
| Venue | The Theatre at Hendry Hall, North Vancouver, BC |
| Production Length | 1 hour 40 mins |
| Production Style | Drama |
| Special Thanks To | Kyle MacDonald, Bill Lawrie |
| Stephen Torrence | Director – This is my third chance to direct at NVCP having directed Light Sensitive and The Fourth Wall in the 2009/10 season. It’s an honour to direct this year’s festival show. I want to thank my great cast and crew for their tireless energy, insights and efforts to make this the “best”. I want to thank my mentor Randy Holmes for guidance and friendship. Karen, it’s wonderful being your husband and director. Finally big thanks to the patrons of Hendry Hall who support us with their presence. |
| Kathy Daniels | Ruth – An award-winning actress, this is Kathy’s first production with NVCP at Hendry Hall. She is thrilled to be working with such a talented, fabulous, beautiful cast – Goddesses really! And many thanks to her kindly director, Stephen, for putting up with her bronchial hackings, snuffles, and general shenanigans. She is on her knees to the incredibly supportive Stage Manager, Jelena, for reminding her where the heck she is supposed to be onstage. Merde, everyone!. |
| Karen Golden | Rachel – After having loads of fun with the role of Julia in NVCP’s The Fourth Wall last season, Karen is pleased to make a second appearance on the stage at Hendry Hall. This is the third role for her in a show directed by her husband, Stephen Torrence, and she is always grateful when they can work together. He is a patient man. Special thanks must go to the amazing cast and crew and especially to Jennifer and Marie for the extra yummy rehearsal treats! |
| Jennifer Huva | Polly – Jennifer is very excited to be performing in her third consecutive show at the wonderful Hendry Hall, having performed in both Death by Chocolate and Beauty and the Beast—the Christmas Panto. Before that she trained and worked in Los Angeles for almost three years. Thanks go to Stephen and NVCP for the opportunity to work with and learn so much from this wonderful cast and crew. Jennifer loves Sc-ifi, cooking, and the colour orange! Huge love to all her friends and fam. http://jhuva.workbooklive.com/. |
| Kristen Ross | Jessica – Kristen is thrilled to make her NVCP debut in If We Are Women. Theatre credits: The Shadow Box, Top Girls, If Sculptures Could Talk… Kristen recently returned to Canada after living abroad for four years in Greece. She extends endless gratitude to her “small army of inexhaustible support” – Kirsten, Jana, Alkioni, Iyad and closet actress, Aunty Mare. As well as “The Pickle” – endless love. Kristen would like to dedicate this performance to the loving memory of dearest friend and fellow thespian, Agatha Metta.. |