Democracy Draws Internationally Renowned Cast
Democracy by John Murrell
Ottawa, ON, Jan 6, 2006 – Democracy opens at the Great Canadian Theatre Company on Thursday, January 26, 2006 at 8:00 pm. Previews from January 24, 2006.
Internationally renowned actors Geordie Johnson and Jack Wetherall star as Walt Whitman and Ralph Waldo Emerson in John Murrell’s timely play Democracy: one whole day beside a pond. Set amidst the American Civil War, Democracy depicts an eloquent and electrifying debate between two great thinkers. During a hot day in mid-July, Whitman and Emerson meet beside a secluded pond in a wooded vale. While the brutality of the war unfolds around them, Whitman and Emerson debate the violent birth of American democracy. Democracy is a timely portrait of a divided nation that sacrifices its youth and beauty in the defense of brotherhood.
One of the most frequently produced Canadian playwrights, John Murrell, was the co-author of the opera Filumena, which received widespread critical acclaim in last year’s Alberta Scene. He has been appointed to Officer of the Order of Canada: Canada’s highest civil honor for lifetime achievement; won the coveted Walter Carsen Prize for Excellence in the Performing Arts and has been presented with the Alberta Order of Excellence. His plays have been translated into fifteen different languages and performed in more than thirty countries around the world
The play features a superb cast of Geordie Johnson, Jack Wetherall, Aaron Forward and Matthew MacFadzean. Jack Wetherall is an accomplished actor and director seen in film, television and the stage. Jack’s television performances include Queer as Folk; Relic Hunter; Guiding Light and One Life to Live. On stage he has performed title roles in The Elephant Man; Cyrano de Bergerac; Richard II and Macbeth. Jack is also a two-time Guthrie award winner for his performances at the Stratford Festival.
Geordie Johnson, playing the role of Whitman, is equally versed in film and stage as seen in his performances in The English Patient; Street Legal; Traders and E.N.G. He has also performed at Shaw in Death of a Salesman and TheTaming of the Shrew. Other pieces include Pride and Prejudice; Troilus and Cressida; Guys and Dolls; Romeo and Juliet as well as a host of other roles. Geordie has received a Gemini award in 2000 Best Performance by an actor in a Guest Role Dramatic Series for his appearance in The City’s episode, Bed Fellows.
Democracy is directed by Stewart Arnott; set & costumes by Kim Nielsen; lighting design by Jock Munro and the stage managed by Stefanie Seguin.
Democracy previews January 24 and 25, opens Thursday, January 26, and runs until February 12.
Previews: $20
Matinees: $20
Weekday Evenings: $31
Weekend Evenings: $34
*Remember, a $2 surcharge is added to the price of every ticket this season, with proceeds going to our Making it Greater Capital Campaign.
Media Call: Photo and video media are invited to attend our media call, Wednesday, January 16, 3:00 to 4:30 pm. Individual time slots will be booked during this 90-minute period. Slots fill up quickly. If you would like to attend, please call Adam Stephens at (613) 236-5192, ext. 229.
GCTC Box Office: 236-5196
Monday – Friday, Noon - 6:30 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
www.gctc.ca
For media information, contact Adam Stephens at (613) 236-5192, ext. 229, or via e-mail at publicity@gctc.ca
