The English language premiere of From Alaska opens the Belfry’s new season.
“a play about coming to terms with identity, be it social, political, sexual, linguistic, generational, or intellectual.” Montreal Gazette
Victoria, BC...From September 17 to October 13, 2024, the Belfry Theatre will present the English-language premiere of Sébastien Harrisson’s play, From Alaska, translated by Leanna Brodie. Directed by Belfry Artistic Director Michael Shamata, From Alaska stars Brenda Robins and Kosta Lemermeyer.
This award-winning francophone play casts us into the world of magic realism. In Québécois playwright Sébastien Harrisson’s unique world, time dances with the fast-forwards of grief, the slowness of healing, and the unpredictable rhythms of shared wisdom. When a retired librarian is held hostage by a tough-talking teenager, they gradually discover that the one thing they have in common is the thing they have both lost.
“Pits the limitations of daily life against the vastness of the human spirit.” Canadian Literature Magazine
WHY I CHOSE THIS PLAY
Francophone playwrights have a unique sensibility— interpreting the world with surprising wit and unique imagination. This play exemplifies those qualities. It is such a stunning confusion of aching need and fierce self-protection, wrapped in a magic realism that makes a mockery of time—to the point where we happily abandon ourselves to the heart of what Harrisson has conjured for us. — Michael Shamata
This production of From Alaska is supported in part by a generous gift from Diane Scott.
Cast
Brenda Robins - Miss
Kosta Lemermeyer - Today
Creative Team
Sébastien Harrisson - Playwright
Leanna Brodie - Translator
Michael Shamata - Director
Christina Poddubiuk - Set & Costume Designer
Leigh Ann Vardy - Lighting Design
Tobin Stokes - Sound / Composition
Keith Houghton - Projection Design
Bonni Baynton - Stage Manager
Grace Carmichael - Assistant Stage Manager
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, SEPTEMBER 14 AT 11 AM
Our live talk show, hosted this time by CBC Radio’s Jason D’Souza will feature interviews with playwright Sébastien Harrisson, actress Brenda Robins, and community experts. B4Play 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 your free tickets, please call our Box Office at 250-385-6815.
TALKBACK THURSDAY (In Person)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3 (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 - From Alaska
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 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
Ticket Information
We are offering 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
From Alaska is generously supported by Broadmead Hearing, Peninsula Co-op, and Gabriel Ross.
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