I can think of no finer recommendation for Gros Morne Theatre in general and this production in particular than the fact that the locals come back to see repeat stagings because they find them new and refreshing each year or that their fellow actors attend on their days off.
The remains of the Ethie can still be seen at low tide off Martin’s Point south of Cow Head where it was grounded on Dec 11, 1919. Although not mentioned directly by name the resonances with the SS Titanic are invoked, the major difference being that this shipwreck resulted in no loss of life. With nothing but a railing and a few barrels and boxes the cast make us feel we are on board; the only thing missing is the salt spray that washed over the decks. Indeed the audience are made to feel like the passengers whose lives are in peril, I know I felt their panic.
Special kudos to Adam Drake who performed the dual roles of Walter Young the ship’s purser who was charged with keeping the passengers calm as well as using his local knowledge to act as pilot to bring the ship to a safe beaching point AND the hyperactive, excitable Director. And to the comic relief provided by the three stokers caught below the waterline shovelling coal and in particular to the one who talked, talked, talked while ‘his’ mates did all the work. The parts may have called for it but I found the two captains rather stiff. The ship’s owner is its husband?
Along with the part played by the Director the author with her pad interviewing Ship’s Mate Gullage invoke the limitations of eye-witness accounts in getting at the truth of any matter. Excerpts from local newspapers at the time printed on the placemats serve to eloquently illustrate the point. When it comes to theatre fiction gets closer to the truth of the matter than dry facts. Whatever the challenges involved I’d have preferred to have seen Ruffles played by a real Newfoundland Dog.
Except for the soggy over-cooked carrots the Dinner was acceptable at the price. To me the only authentic way to serve cod is pan-fried with scruncheons. The coffee was rather weak but it kept me awake for the second play.
The remains of the Ethie can still be seen at low tide off Martin’s Point south of Cow Head where it was grounded on Dec 11, 1919. Although not mentioned directly by name the resonances with the SS Titanic are invoked, the major difference being that this shipwreck resulted in no loss of life. With nothing but a railing and a few barrels and boxes the cast make us feel we are on board; the only thing missing is the salt spray that washed over the decks. Indeed the audience are made to feel like the passengers whose lives are in peril, I know I felt their panic.
Special kudos to Adam Drake who performed the dual roles of Walter Young the ship’s purser who was charged with keeping the passengers calm as well as using his local knowledge to act as pilot to bring the ship to a safe beaching point AND the hyperactive, excitable Director. And to the comic relief provided by the three stokers caught below the waterline shovelling coal and in particular to the one who talked, talked, talked while ‘his’ mates did all the work. The parts may have called for it but I found the two captains rather stiff. The ship’s owner is its husband?
Along with the part played by the Director the author with her pad interviewing Ship’s Mate Gullage invoke the limitations of eye-witness accounts in getting at the truth of any matter. Excerpts from local newspapers at the time printed on the placemats serve to eloquently illustrate the point. When it comes to theatre fiction gets closer to the truth of the matter than dry facts. Whatever the challenges involved I’d have preferred to have seen Ruffles played by a real Newfoundland Dog.
Except for the soggy over-cooked carrots the Dinner was acceptable at the price. To me the only authentic way to serve cod is pan-fried with scruncheons. The coffee was rather weak but it kept me awake for the second play.
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