The Syringa Tree at GCTC
OTTAWA, ONTARIO – Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Great Canadian Theatre Company is pleased to present the first viewpoint of the 2009/10 season, The Syringa Tree by Pamela Gien at the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre, 1233 Wellington Street West, at the corner of Holland Avenue. Following two preview performances on September 15 and 16, The Syringa Tree officially opens on September 17 and runs until October 4.
Lauded by celebrities, including Rosie O’Donnell, Matthew Broderick, Helen Hunt and Diane Sawyer, The Syringa Tree had an Off-Broadway run of more than 500 performances in a run that lasted nearly two years. Oprah Winfrey said, “The Syringa Tree is a revelation! As huge and grand as an opera, but as intimate as a ballet.” The play has earned Gien several awards including the 2001 OBIE Award for Best New Play.
The Syringa Tree is a semi-autobiographical story inspired by Gien’s childhood in South Africa during Apartheid. It is the personal and deeply evocative story of the enduring connection between two families – one white and one black – during apartheid-era South Africa. Told primarily through the eyes of Elizabeth, a six year-old white child, and her black nanny, Salamina, the love shared by the families overcomes the boundaries of race and class.
The Syringa Tree is directed by GCTC Artistic Director, Lise Ann Johnson, “I read this play several years ago and I’ve wanted to direct it ever since. It’s magical, funny and emotionally gripping.” To play the 24 characters in the one-woman show, Johnson has recruited Patricia Fagan. Fagan has wowed audiences in more than a dozen Soulpepper productions in Toronto, as a member of the acting company, as well as roles on film and television.
The set and costume for The Syringa Tree are designed by Robin Fisher, and the lighting design is by Jock Munro. Original music and sound design are by Marc Desormeaux. The stage manager is Samira Rose, and the assistant director is Christopher Bedford.
In accompaniment with the production, the Lorraine ‘Fritzi’ Yale Gallery, curated by Don Monet of CUBE Gallery, will feature an exhibition of artwork by Zimbabwean artist, Chikonzero “Chiko” Chazunguza. In a unique artistic partnership, all the paintings in the exhibition were inspired by the themes of The Syringa Tree. The exhibition opens on September 17 and runs until November 1.
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.gctc.ca or call the Box Office at 613-236-5196.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kevin Falkingham
Marketing and Communications Manager
Great Canadian Theatre Company
613-236-5192 ext 229
publicity@gctc.ca
