“1939 finds tremendous power in the things left unspoken.” 1939 opens on October 31 at the Belfry.
“1939 never tells you how the students are feeling: It shows you. The play trusts its audiences to fill in gaps and make connections, and it overwhelmingly succeeds…” Intermission Magazine
Victoria, BC...From October 29 to November 24, 2024, the Belfry Theatre will present Jani Lauzon and Kaitlyn Riordan’s play, 1939. Directed by Jani Lauzon, 1939 stars Brefny Caribou, Merewyn Comeau, Catherine Fitch, Nathan Howe, Grace Lamarche, Amanda Lisman, James Dallas Smith, and John Wamsley.
It’s 1939, the year of King George’s first Royal Tour of Canada, and rumour has it that a Residential School in Northern Ontario is on the itinerary. As the Welsh English-teacher rehearses her students for a performance of All’s Well That Ends Well for the King, the Indigenous actors discover surprising parallels between their various cultures and Shakespeare’s script—and set out to make his bittersweet comedy their own.
Why I Chose This Play
Jani Lauzon and Kaitlyn Riordan have crafted a play full of empathy and humour. They have found a way of addressing the tragedy of Residential Schools that gives the Indigenous students agency and pride. And I love the surprising way in which Shakespeare—the ultimate colonial icon—is given new vitality and significance.
– Michael Shamata
Initially produced at the Stratford Festival in 2022, 1939 was born of both family legacy and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and has been guided by Indigenous Elders, Survivors, and ceremony throughout its development.
1939 was originally commissioned by the Stratford Festival, Ontario, Canada. Special thank you to Shakespeare in the Ruff who, through the Canada Council, helped support the initial script development.
1939 is a Belfry Theatre and Canadian Stage joint production in association with The Stratford Festival.
L-R: Nathan Howe, John Wamsley, and Merewyn Comeau / Photos by Dahlia Katz / Joanna Yu – Set Designer / Sim Suzer – Associate Set Designer / Asa Benally – Costume Designer / Barbara Morrone-Sanchez – Associate Costume Designer / Louise Guinand – Lighting Designer / Sruthi Suresan – Associate Lighting Designer
L-R: Grace Lamarche and John Wamsley / Photos by Dahlia Katz / Joanna Yu – Set Designer / Sim Suzer – Associate Set Designer / Asa Benally – Costume Designer / Barbara Morrone-Sanchez – Associate Costume Designer / Louise Guinand – Lighting Designer / Sruthi Suresan – Associate Lighting Designer
L-R: Merewyn Comeau / Photos by Dahlia Katz / Joanna Yu – Set Designer / Sim Suzer – Associate Set Designer / Asa Benally – Costume Designer / Barbara Morrone-Sanchez – Associate Costume Designer / Louise Guinand – Lighting Designer / Sruthi Suresan – Associate Lighting Designer
L-R: Grace Lamarche, Merewyn Comeau, Brefny Caribou, John Wamsley, and Catherine Fitch. Photos by Dahlia Katz / Joanna Yu – Set Designer / Sim Suzer – Associate Set Designer / Asa Benally – Costume Designer / Barbara Morrone-Sanchez – Associate Costume Designer / Louise Guinand – Lighting Designer / Sruthi Suresan – Associate Lighting Designer
L-R: John Wamsley / Photos by Dahlia Katz / Joanna Yu – Set Designer / Sim Suzer – Associate Set Designer / Asa Benally – Costume Designer / Barbara Morrone-Sanchez – Associate Costume Designer / Louise Guinand – Lighting Designer / Sruthi Suresan – Associate Lighting Designer
L-R: Richard Comeau, Merewyn Comeau, Brefny Caribou, Nathan Howe, John Wamsley, Grace Lamarche, Catherine Fitch. Photos by Dahlia Katz / Joanna Yu – Set Designer / Sim Suzer – Associate Set Designer / Asa Benally – Costume Designer / Barbara Morrone-Sanchez – Associate Costume Designer / Louise Guinand – Lighting Designer / Sruthi Suresan – Associate Lighting Designer
L-R: Amanda Lisman, John Wamsley, Richard Comeau, Merewyn Comeau, Grace Lamarche / Photos by Dahlia Katz / Joanna Yu – Set Designer / Sim Suzer – Associate Set Designer / Asa Benally – Costume Designer / Barbara Morrone-Sanchez – Associate Costume Designer / Louise Guinand – Lighting Designer / Sruthi Suresan – Associate Lighting DesignerCast
Brefny Caribou – Susan Blackbird
Merewyn Comeau – Evelyne Rice
Catherine Fitch – Sian Ap Dafydd
Nathan Howe – Father Callum Williams
Grace Lamarche – Beth Summers
Amanda Lisman – Madge Macbeth
James Dallas Smith - Joseph Summers
John Wamsley – Jean Delorme
Creative Team
Jani Lauzon – Director
Joanna Yu – Set Designer
Sim Suzer – Associate Set Designer
Asa Benally – Costume Designer
Barbara Morrone-Sanchez – Associate Costume Designer
Louise Guinand – Lighting Designer
Sruthi Suresan – Associate Lighting Designer
Wayne Kelso – Sound Designer & Composer
Sarah Miller – Stage Manager
Maya Bowers – Assistant Stage Manager
Richard Comeau – Fight Director
Amanda Lisman – Fight Captain
Jane Gooderham - RP/Cockney/French Dialect Coach
Waawaate Fobister with Roger Fobister Sr. - Anishinaabemowin Translations/Language Coaching
Wahsonti:io Kirby - Kanien’kéha Translations/ Language Coaching
Live & Virtual Events
Our round-up of events happening at the theatre over the next four weeks.
B4PLAY (IN-PERSON + ONLINE)
BMO Studio, 1291 Gladstone Avenue
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 AT 11 AM
Our live talk show hosted this time by CBC Radio’s Jason D’Souza and featuring artists from the upcoming show, along with experts from the community, has been designed to provide insight into each Mainstage production.
Each event is held the Saturday before Opening, is free to attend, live-streamed on Facebook, and is available as a podcast on our website.
B4Play is ASL Interpreted. To reserve free tickets, please call our Box Office at 250-385-6815.
TALKBACK THURSDAY
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14 FOLLOWING THE PERFORMANCE (IN PERSON EVENT)
On the third Thursday performance during the run of each show, most (usually all) of the actors return to the stage to answer your questions and provide insight into the play you have just experienced. These Q & A sessions last approximately 20 minutes.
VOCALEYE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 AT 2 PM
(IN PERSON EVENT)
For patrons with low or no vision, we offer one VocalEye performance during most Mainstage productions. Trained Audio Describers provide descriptions of the visual elements of the show, allowing people with low vision to enjoy the theatrical experience without missing any of the details. More information at the Box Office - 250-385-6815.
Ticket Information
The Belfry offers Pay What You Want tickets for all performances this season. Tickets are available at 250-385-6815 or online at tickets.belfry.bc.ca.
Show Sponsors
1939 is generously sponsored by BMO. Chateau Victoria, Metropol, and Used.ca
Season Sponsors
The Belfry is generously supported by The Times Colonist, Helijet, and Splashes Bath & Kitchen.
Public Funders
The Belfry is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, the Province of BC, the BC Arts Council, CRD Arts Development, and the City of Victoria.
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Mark Dusseault