“I’m worried about your health…it seems to be improving.”
27 years after it premiered at the Belfry, Morris Panych’s black comedy, Vigil, returns.
Victoria, BC...From November 15 – December 11, 2022, the Belfry Theatre will present Vigil by acclaimed playwright Morris Panych. Directed by Glynis Leyshon, Vigil stars Nicola Lipman (Grace) and Anton Lipovetsky (Kemp).
Vigil had its first performance ever right here at the Belfry 27 years ago, and it has since played around the world, in 24 different languages, and attracted the talents of actors such as Olympia Dukakis and Margaret Tyzak.
Vigil tells the story of Kemp, a misanthrope with an acid tongue who receives a phone call from an aunt he hasn’t seen in 30 years. He rushes across the country to sit by her bedside, anticipating a swift funeral.
But she’s not going just yet.
As the seasons change and the weather turns, she defies his expectations in this deliciously absurd, incredibly funny, and poignantly tender play.
A native of Calgary, Alberta, Morris Panych is arguably Canada’s most celebrated playwright and director. His plays have garnered countless awards including two Governor General’s Literary Awards for Drama (for The Ends of the Earth and Girl in the Goldfish Bowl), fourteen Jessie Richardson Awards (Vancouver), and five Dora Mavor Moore Awards (Toronto). Productions of the much-lauded Vigil, Girl in the Goldfish Bowl, 7 Stories, and Lawrence and Holloman are being mounted throughout Canada, the US, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. His plays have been produced in over two dozen languages. Mr. Panych has directed over 90 productions across Canada and the U.S.
Vigil will be performed for in-person audiences from November 15 – December 11, 2022, with simultaneous live-stream broadcasts from November 29 to December 4.
Why I Chose This Play
I’ve always loved Morris’s writing—and I particularly love this play! It’s ultimately irresistible. Only Morris could put such a grim misanthrope onstage and make us fall in love with him. I also love that it first came to life on this stage—and is returning to the Belfry for the first time in over 25 years! Michael Shamata
Creative Team
Morris Panych - Playwright
Glynis Leyshon – Director
Ken MacDonald – Set & Costume Designer
Luc Prairie – Lighting Designer
Tobin Stokes – Sound Designer
Dianne Goodman – Stage Manager
Becca Jorgensen – Assistant Stage Manager
Diana Budiachenko – Directing Intern
Emily Trepanier – Assistant Lighting Designer
Holly Winter – Sound Design Intern
Audience Engagement Events
B4PLAY (In-person + Online)
Saturday, November 12 at 11 am
BMO Studio, 129 Gladstone Avenue
Our live talk show hosted by CBC Radio’s Gregor Craigie and featuring artists from the upcoming show, along with experts from the community, has been designed to provide insight into each Mainstage production.
Panellists include Anton Lipovetsky (Kemp), Nicola Lipman (Grace), and Cheryl Chalifour (Executive Director, Parkwood Place).
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 will have ASL (American Sign Language) Interpretation.
To reserve free tickets, please call our Box Office at 250-385-6815.
TALKBACK THURSDAY (On Stage + Online / Hybrid)
Thursday, December 1 following the performance
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 – Vigil
Wednesday, December 7
For patrons with low or no vision, we are offering an online VocalEye performance of Vigil.
The virtual lobby opens at 6:30 pm for socializing, the official welcome at 6:45 with an intro to the show and then the show starts at 7:00 pm. Afterwards, we have a Q and A and a prize draw.
During VocalEye performances, 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.
Please call the Box Office for details.
Ticket Information
We are offering Pay What You Want tickets for both in-person attendance and live streams. Tickets are available at 250-385-6815 or online at tickets.belfry.bc.ca.
While masks and proof of vaccination are no longer mandatory, we strongly encourage all audience members to wear masks and take all publicly recommended health precautions.
Show Sponsors
Vigil is generously supported by BMO, Used.ca. and Ocean 98.5.
Season Sponsors
The Belfry is generously supported by The Times Colonist and Helijet.
Public Funders
The Belfry is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, the Province of BC, BC Arts Council, CRD Arts Development and the City of Victoria.
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