The Power of One
Locations
We would like to acknowledge that our work at Perchance, takes place on the ancestral home of the Beothuk and the Mi’kmaq. Perchance also recognizes the Inuit of Nunatsiavut and NunatuKavut and the Innu of Nitassinan, and their ancestors, as the original peoples of Labrador. Perchance strives for respectful relationships with all the peoples of this province as we search for collective healing and true reconciliation and honour this beautiful land together.
Perchance Theatre, Cupids
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“To be, or not to be, that is the question.” Hamlet, facing crushing grief from the loss of a parent, while also being pressed into revenge by a ghost who could be their father, has reached their limit. Do they stay quiet while watching their mother marry their uncle, that uncle who took their crown? Or do they stand up before a whole kingdom to venge their parent’s murder on the word of a ghost? Trying to decide what is the best path forward but not knowing where that path will lead can tie your mind up in knots, leaving you wishing for some ease from the struggle. Any ease.
To be, or not to be? That was the question. When we first began the Power of One journey, we had no idea when we would be able to gather again, as artists and audiences, in our theatre. Or as people in life. The idea was born in isolation, was built to be done safely in separation, and to be sent out through the clinical connective tissue of the digital medium. It has taken us through wave after wave of the pandemic, through the changing of the seasons, and the changing of restrictions. 41 stories that have taken us around the province, opened new understandings on Shakespeare’s words by looking at them through the lens of our history, culture, and geography. Words that have given us a new perspective on our own stories and home. We are delighted to answer “to be” as we are now at the beginning of our summer season, getting ready to welcome audiences in new ways, to new shows, in this new era. Without question, we hope to see you at the show. |
Brigus
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As the Power of One journey approaches its close, it is only fitting that we explore All’s Well That Ends Well. The Countess is sending off her son, Bertram, to live at court with the King. As any of us who have waved loved ones off on journeys, there is always so much we want to say to them, wish for them, as they begin their journey. Here we see a mother giving her very best advice to her son, as he moves into the tricky world of court, and the challenges of life.
Beautiful Brigus, just next door to our home in Cupids, is a stunning town with a lovely combination of historic homes snuggled close together along rock walled streets and streams, all enclosed by tall, rugged hills. Pop in here on your way to one of our shows in Cupids for a lovely walkabout and check out its many historic properties and tasty restaurants. Technically, this was the final video filmed on the Power of One journey, though we have yet one more to release to complete the project. |
Burnt Head Loop Trail, Cupids
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“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day”
A journey through Shakespeare’s work would not be complete without a sonnet. Sonnet 18 is one of 154 sonnets written by William Shakespeare (182 if you include those within his plays!). It has 14 lines of poetry written in iambic pentameter and in a rhetorical structure, like in his plays. Iambic pentameter is when an unstressed syllable is followed by a stressed one so it is often referred to as a heartbeat. What better place to set a piece of romantic poetry, poetry that follows a heartbeat, than on a gorgeous trail on a stunning summer’s day in Cupids? A journey to Cupids should also include passing time on the Burnt Head Loop trail. Found at the tip of the community of Cupids, it is a gentle and scenic walk passing over hills with stunning views across Conception Bay, a sea arch, a picnic table by a waterfall, and rugged beaches. All the while the walker is moving through resettled communities whose remnants are seen peeping up through berry bushes as the foundations of homes and root cellars. |
Gander International Airport, Gander
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This monologue was written 400 years ago, about events that happened 500 years ago. Here, Thomas More is addressing an angry mob that is calling for the King to cast the refugees, fleeing from persecution in Europe, out of England.
One of the moving aspects of studying classical work, is when examples of what was topical for artists and audiences hundreds of years ago still resonate today, allowing us to see our humanity throughout time. How have we grown? How are we stuck? Thanks to the ArtsNL ArtsSmarts Program, Paul Wilson and AD Danielle Irvine worked with Leo Mackey and his grade 8’s in Harbour Grace on this monologue. When asked if they could think of examples of this today, they immediately began listing off people and countries; the information all too familiar in their minds. Clearly, in this case, we are still very stuck as wars and persecution are rife throughout the world, and not all havens are truly safe. For this monologue Robert and Danielle knew they had to go to Gander International Airport. The iconic images of the Bulgarian refugees in that tiny airport in the 1990’s through to the events of 9/11 are burned into our memories. In researching this location, history revealed to us many more refugees, from many more countries had walked off the planes during a stop over, to seek asylum here. We are grateful to the Gander Airport Authority, and so many folks in the town of Gander, who helped make this video possible. We filmed directly on the tarmac on the international arrivals side of the airport, seeing what those brave people saw as their first glimpse of Canada as they made their bid for freedom and safety. |
Harrie Lake
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As a young princess, Margaret moved from France to marry King Henry and become Queen of England. It was a terrifying and arduous journey through stormy seas that she describes here, but worth it to fulfil her dream and become his Queen. Now, upon reflection, she is seeing it all as foreboding for the demise of his love and respect for her, for their relationship. Queen Margaret is a complicated character in Shakespeare’s plays, and in history. Fiery, strong, and polarizing in the court, here we get a glimpse of her powers of persuasion as she challenges Henry’s love for her versus his love for his deceased Uncle, murdered in the midst of a political struggle.
Harrie Lake is a gorgeous spot just outside Labrador City, with a view in the background of the hills of the Scully Mine, very much the image of a Queen bringing strength and resources, yet being tossed aside for political reasons. |
Long Point Lighthouse, Twilingate-Crow Head
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For seven long years the Greeks have faced the walls of Troy, unable to break through. The army is starting to lose hope when the leaders come together in a war council. Nestor, here, reminds those gathered that it is in times of adversity, that inner strength is forged. How a strong boat in a stormy sea can move between waves that would founder a lesser boat. So too, is a person with inner strength able to withstand storms of fortune. But how do we know how much we can handle, until life throws us challenges?
Long Point Lighthouse, 300 feet atop its rocky coastline on the north east coast of the island of Newfoundland easily affords us the powerful image of courage in the face of forces bigger than us. From the surrounding cliffs one can glimpse whales, icebergs, seabirds, and the raw power of the North Atlantic. To read more about the history of this 'milk bottle shaped' beacon visit the Lighthouse Friends site. |
Signal Hill National Historic Site, St. John's; The Rooms, St. John's; Bowring Park, St. John's
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As a boy, Dromio of Syracuse was separated from his twin in a shipwreck. The children were rescued separately and brought up unaware of the other’s life. Now grown, Dromio of Syracuse is on the hunt for his brother, travelling the Mediterranean coastline. His latest landing is the fabled city of Ephesus.
Ephesus was known for its mystery and magic, and St. John’s is aptly playing the role of that city here. Its charms, like the glassed beauty of The Rooms, the Atlantic-defying strength of Signal Hill, and the nurtured lawns and flowers of Bowring Park, are all glimpsed in Dromio’s frantic pursuit of his other half. |
Bell Island Mine, Bell Island
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Lady Macbeth sleepwalks through the castle, completely undone by the guilt of her part in the murder of Duncan, and descending into madness. This darkest of the Bard’s plays is suitably set in the darkest of surroundings; 650 ft below ground in #2 Mine on Bell Island - one of the mines that stretch for kilometers under the floor of the ocean.
These are iron ore mines so the dust within also stain your shoes, your clothes and your hands red; almost bloody in appearance. |
MUN Botanical Gardens, St. John's
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Friar Laurence is the peaceful advisor, confidant, and father-figure to both Romeo and Juliet throughout their ill-fated relationship. His knowledge of, and love for, the power of flowers and plants is thorough. In this monologue he savours the beauty of the morning and the gifts of nature, in particular, how plants can both give life, and take it away. It is the various medicinal properties of plants that underpins many of the plot points of the play.
The Botanical Gardens at Memorial University are wide ranging, with so many different types of gardens, plants, and trees, that they make a wonderful place to wander and explore multiple times during the growing season. |
The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Harbour Grace
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Queen Katherine was married to Henry VIII for over 20 years when he tried to deny the legitimacy of their marriage. She had come from Spain where her parents had been a powerful royal couple who raised her to be a strong and intelligent leader. Since arriving in England, she had been an exemplary wife and Queen; leading armies to victory when the King was away, been his partner in decision making, born a royal daughter, overlooked Henry’s many affairs, and now is being asked by the King and the Church to step back voluntarily (tremendously affecting the honour of both her and her daughter) and go into a nunnery so he can remarry. (Anne Boleyn, Katherine’s waiting woman, waits in the wings, the second of his six wives to be.)
The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in the town of Harbour Grace is the perfect location to feature a monologue that celebrates the grace and strength of an historical figure who stood up to all the men in her life who tried to challenge her honour and legitimacy for their own gain. The beauty of the architecture of the Cathedral, currently under renovation to become a new location of YellowBelly Brewery & Public House, underscores the strength of character and regal nature of Katherine in this time of change. |
Government House, St. John's
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Lear thought it would be the perfect retirement solution – divide the kingdom between his three daughters and just relax and carouse with his knights while travelling between each of the daughters’ homes. Things did not go quite as planned and one daughter, his favourite, ended up disowned.
In this scene he has shown up at one daughter’s castle, complete with his knights but has been denied entry unless he get rid of his entourage. The daughters, claiming they have servants enough to meet his needs, dismiss his wishes; enraging him, humiliating him, and breaking his heart. What happens to the powerful when they have willingly or unwillingly given up their sway is explored in this story of aging, ego, power and family. Government House, with its connection to British royalty, shows its stunning gardens, resplendent in the fall of the year. This is the perfect spot to feature a declining king barred from his past home and denied his former glory. |
Richmond Hill, Southside Mountain Bike Park, St. John's
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Autolycus, the “lone wolf,” is a con artist who roams the Bohemian countryside taking advantage of everyone he meets. He’ll do anything to make a buck including thievery. He’s really good at his job with his ‘quick and nimble hands’ conning festival goers into buying his stolen goods, then pilfering their purses.
Autolycus also happens to be a pretty likeable, entertaining character, partly because he’s so good at his job and partly because he’s so happy and honest (with the audience anyway) about his scheming ways. Make sure you watch all the way till the end of the video! And no, there is no bear. While this play is famous for the stage direction: “Exit, pursued by a bear.” we didn’t think having Pat chased out that way would go over well. Though he is pretty game for adventure! This week our happy bicyclist is out enjoying the groomed trails of the Southside Mountain Bike Park. This beautiful ride is just one of the many trails maintained by the Avalon Mountain Bike Association. Check out the AMBANL and BicycleNL sites for more information on their work and how you can be a responsible rider. |
Castle Hill Historic Site, Placentia
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Joan of Arc was just a teenager when she led armed forces into battle on behalf of France. Was she inspired by God or was she a witch? In any case, she was a brilliant and charismatic young woman who inspired thousands, and continues to inspire to this day. Shakespeare included her in his history trilogy, Henry VI. This scene takes place outside of Roan (Rouen), Joan la Pucelle and the French leaders (Charles the Dauphin, the Bastard of Orleans, and the Duke of Alanson) are regrouping after their recent defeat at the hands of the English. Joan plans to retake the city by luring the Duke of Burgundy back to the French side by playing on his heritage (with a little flattery). Joan urges him to consider all the harm his defection has done to his native France. She wants him to question the English, who surely are using him and will turn on him after they win the war.
The age-old rivalry of the French and English have played out at Castle Hill National Historic Site as well. This stone fort standing sentinel over a picturesque seaside town is one of the many the battlefields where British and French troops vied for control of Newfoundland’s lucrative fishery. To explore a chapter of history that determined the fate of a continent or more information on Castle Hill and other Parks Canada/Parcs Canada Heritage sites visit pc.gc.ca |
Torbay Point, Outer Cove
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On the fringe of Towton, King Henry surveys the scene of the bloodiest battle of the War of the Roses, fought on March 29, 1461. An incapable leader, he has been asked to leave the fate of his troops to other powers; his wife, Queen Margaret, and Lord Clifford. Reluctantly, he leaves the battlefield to sit and muse on the simple existence of a shepherd instead of a royal life where each moment is dogged with treachery from all sides. We can empathize with escapism when we find ourselves under immense pressure and wish ourselves “watching the gentle minutes pass” rather than the speed or import of what we have on our minds.
Torbay Point, this striking, long, sloping jut of land that drifts off into the Atlantic Ocean can be just the spot for a peaceful refuge. The open field is ideal for quiet contemplation as the wild Atlantic rages below. But take care! One must be sure footed to wind along down along the dramatic cliff's edge. For more information on this and other trails on the East Coast Trail system, visit their site. |
Middle Cove
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Everyone thinks the war is over and that their troubles have ended. That Richard’s older brother Edward, this “sun of York”, will bring peace with his reign. Little do they know that Richard has much more in store.
Ignored and overlooked for most of his life, Richard had found purpose and skill in strategizing for his family during the war. Peace took that purpose away, leaving him back on the outside. This charming villain we love to hate comes alive in this monologue bringing us into his world, and his new plot to put his skill for manipulation to work. The cliff at Middle Cove beach is extraordinary in its winter beauty, dripping with menacing icicles of immense size. Between these daggers and the swelling ocean, it can be quite treacherous – beware! |
Colonial Building, St. John's
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It is a state funeral filled with a confused and angry crowd. Mark Antony is grieving the death of his dear friend, Julius Caesar and incredibly, has been invited by Brutus and the rest of the assassins to speak the eulogy. We enter as Brutus has just finished speaking and believes he convinced the distraught public that what they did was for the good of Rome. He says Caesar was ambitious and needed to be prevented from going any further against the ideals of Rome. By the time he is done, the crowd are angry and want to hear nothing good about Caesar. But brilliantly on the spot, Antony takes Brutus' message and addresses it, ever so carefully, to defuse the crowd and turn them back on the assassins to find justice for the murder of his friend.
The Colonial Building with its signature pillars and its long and turbulent political history, which include public riots against corrupt leaders, is the perfect location to feature a monologue based on one of the most famous political speeches in history. For more information on this and other heritage properties visit heritage.nf.ca |
Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club, Happy Valley-Goose Bay
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Lady Percy is the widow of the popular rebel hero, Harry Percy, nicknamed Hotspur. Facing down her father-in-law, she bravely calls him out for planning to go to war now, after he had left his own son, her husband, unsupported on the battlefield just a short while ago. This abandonment contributed to his death. The power of her argument against going to war is rich in the fullness of her personal loss, her country’s loss, and is even more compelling because of its lack of vindictiveness. Knowing how to disagree deeply and still communicate is especially timely in our world today.
Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club is a non-profit nordic skiing and snowshoeing facility located in the Upper Lake Melville region of Labrador. A short drive from Happy Valley-Goose Bay brings you to a wide variety of ski, snowshoe and hiking trails. Birch Brook Chalet is also available as a venue rental. A wilderness setting, the comforts of home, an amazing view of the Mealy Mountains, and connected to the internet! Birch Brook Chalet will allow you to mix business with relaxation and fitness. For more Information on this stunning location check out their website. |
The Tea Garden, Holyrood
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Benedick and Beatrice have been sparring since the moment they met, each vowing they will remain committed to the single life, which, of course, prompts their friends to try and set them up. Here in the garden Benedick has just “overheard” his friends “lamenting” how much Beatrice loves him but is too afraid to say anything. This new "information" provokes him into rethinking his feelings about Beatrice completely, little knowing she has said nothing of the sort.
The Tea Garden in Holyrood was a beautiful spot for a delicious meal and a relaxing escape in nature, overlooking beautiful Conception Bay. The historic home perched on a hill, surrounded by gardens, was a popular destination until the Hunt family decided to close its doors in 2019, after 15 years in business. The famous archway over the entrance is formed by the lower jaw bones of a Right whale installed by the previous owner, Olaf Olsen, a Norwegian whaling captain, in 1934. |
Kingsman's Cove
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The charismatic Roman warrior, leader, and hero, Antony, has met his match in the dramatic and compelling, Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. His excellent military sense is eroded by his love and obsession for her and results in tragic losses during a terrible sea battle. While contemplating how quickly a reputation, a person, an army can be torn apart - as quickly and easily as clouds - his right hand person, Eros shows up to offer comfort.
The wreck of the SS Ilex in Kingsman’s Cove serves as a dramatic backdrop to this monologue. With its rusting structure so close to land it is easy to see, if you can make the long trek along the very rocky beach. "Resting on the rocky shores of Fermeuse Harbour lies the rusting hull of the S.S. Ilex; a 694 ton vessel owned by Wareham and Sons of Spencers Cove in Placentia Bay. On the morning of October 27, 1948, the Ilex left St. Johns en route to Kingston, Jamaica with a shipment of salt fish when an approaching storm forced the ship to seek refuge in Fermeuse Harbour. By the time night had fallen, the crew had securely tied the ship to a wharf in Kingman’s Cove. However, shortly after the Ilex was secured for the night, a fire broke out in the engine room caused by the ignition of fuel in the ships oil-fired boiler rooms." For the rest of this story check out HiddenNewfoundland.ca |
Gros Morne National Park
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Iago lives to manipulate others. A master strategist and battle hardened soldier, he is an ensign to Othello, the general of the mercenary forces sent to Cypress. Othello is a Moor, which makes him an even greater target of Iago’s plotting. This is the moment when Iago comes up with the plan to take down Othello and his handsome lieutenant, Cassio, two more “fools” he thinks have done him wrong.
The Tablelands are the perfect place to expose Iago’s inner thinking as it is the site of the Earth’s inner mantle, pushed up and exposed creating a unique, otherworldly landscape where little can grow. Millions of years ago, the continents of Africa and North America collided, pushing up these rocks that were once below the ocean. Natural beauty and a unique, geological showcase earned Gros Morne UNESCO World Heritage status in 1987. You can see clearly on display evidence of the forces that shaped our planet, from shifted tectonic plates to rare expanses of exposed earth’s mantle. A roadway passes through the park’s varied terrain and coastal villages that host lively festivals and cultural events. While Gros Morne can be experienced on easy guided walks and a scenic boat trip through Western Brook Pond, the more adventurous can head out on their own, hiking to mountain tops or kayaking in summer, backcountry skiing and snowshoeing in winter. From pc.gc.ca - check out the site for more information. Fact: The Tablelands is the smallest of four Bay of Islands Ophiolite Massifs, along with the North Arm Hills/Gregory Mountains, Blow Me Down Mountains and Lewis Hills. Photo Credit: Tom Cochrane |
Musgrave Harbour
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Don Armado, nimble with a rapier and a turn of phrase, is horrified at the behavior his love for Jaquenetta has brought out in him. In Love's Labour's Lost he laments the humility of how, because of that evil angel, Cupid, he is in love with the very ground his love walks on. He draws comfort from how Cupid can take down even the strongest of heroes, and turn them into love-sick poets for those they love.
Who better to create the romantic atmosphere for this particular monologue than Dwayne Cote and Duane Andrews and their fusion of traditional music from Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia, melded with gypsy jazz inspired by Django Reinhardt. What better place to spend Valentine’s Day than on a beach?! Little known fact – our rocky province does have some incredible sandy beaches and Musgrave Harbour is one of those jewels. Astonishing in its sheer size and beauty, this treasure is a must see for beach lovers, though layers are a good idea. Music: Valse des Niglos from the album The Empress by Dwayne Cote and Duane Andrews. Used with permission from Dwayne Cote and Duane Andrews. Visit Duane's site for more great music. |
Bartlett's Point, Curling
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Living in the treacherous world of court could mean life or death. In King Richard II, the Duchess of Gloucester masterfully appeals to her brother-in-law, John of Gaunt, a deeply respected man and one of King Edward III’s seven sons, to avenge the mysterious murder of her husband, Thomas, his own brother. Moving deftly between the images of family tree and family blood, she builds a powerful argument to persuade him into action.
In the political world, like the world of court, people often become pawns; their lives upended by forces outside their control. This location, a 4 foot high and 950 foot long stone wall, hidden in the woods of Curling, NL, exemplifies that. As World War I broke out, there were two German fishermen on a boat off Corner Brook. Even though they were humble fishermen and had no nefarious connections, they were taken into custody and became prisoners of war for three years. During that time they built this epic wall, one stone at a time. Thankfully their time was as friendly as it could be, with at least one of the men sending letters to his captors upon his return home with thanks for the kind treatment. |
Manuel's River, Conception Bay South
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Unrequited love. That unfortunate predicament has afflicted many of us. Your admiration for the object of your affection is transcendent, it fills up every waking hour making everything and anything seem possible. In the play, The Two Noble Kinsmen, it moves many of the characters to do extraordinary things, but not all of them have happy outcomes. The Jailor’s Daughter is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved characters. With no name of her own, she can become any one of us within one beat of a lovesick heart. She meets the audience mostly in monologues where she shares her love with us for Prince Palamon (a nobleman locked in her father’s jail with his cousin, another Prince). She lists all of Palamon’s excellent qualities, and her understanding of how impossible their love would be, yet, against the odds, how she plans to get him to love her back.
The Manuel’s River is a beautiful and romantic spot with gentle falls that fill after a rain. Walking trails take you through forest and gorge, passing places for spotting fossils. Drop into the Interpretation Centre for lots of information on the geology and history of the area, or a cup of coffee in their cafe. For more information or upcoming events, visit the Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre site. |
St. Jacques
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The Countess of Salisbury is a noblewoman who is brilliant, beautiful, and brave. She attracts the attention of the married King of England. Saying no to powerful men in the time of this play, even if you are a married woman, is dangerous so she must tread very carefully if she is to protect herself, her husband, and the honour of all involved. Watch as she outmaneuvers the King and keeps her loyalty to her husband and to the crown.
Edward III is one of several plays and poems considered “apocrypha” as it was not published in the First Folio (collection of plays published after his death by his company). Other evidence – from Quartos (play scripts) with his name on them, to rigorous study of writing style - have since identified some of them as Shakespeare’s, or partly his. St. Jacques, where we filmed this monologue, is on the south coast of the island. It is a stunningly beautiful, remote part of the province, where Ruth was born. The highway rolls atop beautiful barrens to a sudden steep drive down to the coastal communities it serves. Known as the Coast of Bays, this area has many tiny harbours nestled in inlets along the coast. Like many outports, its main economic driver was historically the inshore fishery but over several centuries, the work related to the offshore and now aquaculture anchors most people there. With a population of about 200 souls, it is holding steady with a healthy mix of generations still inhabiting the community. Now reclaimed by nature, the shoot location was the former site of a grand home built by Dr. Conrad Fitzgerald, who made a powerful impact on the people of this area. |
Woody Point
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Caliban was born on this remote island. His mother was a witch and he, himself, is part sea creature. The monologue begins with Caliban hiding from the magician, Prospero. Caliban begins to encourage us to help him kill Prospero and steal his magic book. He goes on to calm our fears of the island by telling us of all its wonders.
Woody Point is a tiny, stunningly beautiful town, in the heart of Gros Morne National Park on the west coast of the island of Newfoundland. It is on Bonne Bay and offers a glorious view of the famous Tablelands. Not just known for its outdoor activities, this area is also the creative home to internationally celebrated festivals including the Gros Morne Summer Music Festival; the Trails, Tales, and Tunes Festival; Writers at Woody Point; and a short jaunt to the Gros Morne Theatre Festival in Cow Head to name just a few! |
Nain
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Twelfth Night was written at the request of Queen Elizabeth I for their holiday celebrations. Christmas time in Elizabethan England was marked with lots of food, spirits, singing, dazzling decorations, and, in this case, a breaking down of social barriers through the Lord of Misrule. This festive atmosphere infused Shakespeare’s romantic comedy with a rollicking good time featuring twins, mistaken identity, disguises, pranks, and lots of eating and drinking. Hence our 2016 production in Cupids was seen through the lens of mummering.
This song, “The Wind and the Rain”, is sung at the end of the play and is about the wind and rain that is eternal, as is the tomfoolery of people, even as they age - both befitting of our province’s weather, and the playfulness of how we celebrate January 6th in various parts of our province. Joan Dicker, a singer, teacher and translator who was born and raised in Nain, Nunatsiavut has translated this song into her native language. This week she takes us on a visual voyage through Nain and Hebron, while she sings such iconic lines as “the rain it raineth every day” in Inuktitut. This video features footage from both Nain and Hebron. The Inuit of Hebron in northern Labrador were forcibly relocated by the provincial government in 1959. Many now live in Nain, the northernmost community in the Inuit self-governing region of Nunatsiavut. |
Catalina
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When Mistress Page, a happily married woman, receives a mysterious, presumptuous, and terribly written love letter from an unencouraged admirer it is enough to set her blood boiling.
Fresh after meeting the beloved scallywag, Sir John Falstaff, played by Andy Jones in Monologue #14 in Port de Grave, we now glimpse the results of his next hijinks. Little does Mistress Page know at this point that he has written the exact same letter to another married woman, her best friend! Little does Falstaff know that the two women compare letters and plot together to teach him a lesson. All the while trying to hide it from their husbands. This joyful romp of a play was written by direct request from Queen Elizabeth I as she, and so many others, had fallen in love with the character of Falstaff. Shakespeare had him die in Henry V, but then had to resurrect him for his very own play. In the depths of winter, it is a delight to cast our minds back to a monologue in the heat of the summer, in the tiny town of Catalina on the Bonavista Peninsula. Filmed outside the family home of Amelia’s grandparents in Catalina, NL. Catalina can be found on the east side of the Bonavista Peninsula along the Discovery Trail. A quiet community with easy access to trails, historic sites and cultural events. |
Port de Grave
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Henry IV parts 1 and 2 reverberate with complicated relationships between fathers and sons. The main storyline has Prince Hal juggling the expectations put on him by his father, King Henry IV, and the freedom and debauchery encouraged by his older pal, Sir John Falstaff – a charming bon-vivant, coward and rascal.
This monologue takes place during a drinking bout between Sir John Falstaff, and Prince Hal, where they are role playing Hal’s relationship with his father. Hal (playing the King), has just pointed out what a terrible person and friend Falstaff is to Hal. Falstaff (playing the Prince), turns all of these insults into benefits. This Christmas season, with its smaller, more intimate gatherings, is captured here as Falstaff was filmed cozily nestled in the stern of Wendy and Jim Porter's boat, The Chelsea Noelle I, during the gorgeous annual Port de Grave Annual Boat Lighting. This event draws hundreds of visitors a night to walk among the beautifully lit boats. The sound of the waves against the docks, the lights twinkling above and reflected on the water, the boats moving in the wind, the laughter of crowds, and even the occasional horse drawn cart, make for an unforgettably magical evening. The Port de Grave Annual Boat Lighting runs until January 6th. For more information check out their Facebook page |
George Street, St. John's
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The Taming of the Shrew is a play that has, since its creation, inspired debate. With its outlandish treatment of Katherine and her supposed transformation into a “tamed woman” it is baffling coming from a writer who also created such unapologetically strong female characters as Rosalind and Cordelia.
This week’s monologue is taken from the Induction (framing story) of the play. The frame of this story features a drunken lout, passed out in front of an ale house, who is taught a lesson through an elaborate trick. What follows, including the players who show up and perform The Taming of the Shrew for him, is contained within that structure, which actually plants the seed for the audience that this is a lesson and to encourage them to think critically about what they are about to see. Often, in modern times, this part is cut for various reasons, mostly timing and cost. So, here for your viewing delight, and critical consideration, we have embraced The Lord’s speech from the Induction to start off the holiday season. And what better place to find a drunken lout passed out in front of an alehouse than on George Street, St. John’s, rumoured to have the most bars per square metre per capita in all of North America! |
Bare Mountain Trail, Clarenville
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Timon, a kind man, whose generosity of friendship, hospitality, and money was legendary among his extensive friend network. When he, himself, fell on hard times and turned to his friends they turned from him leaving him destitute, broken hearted, with nothing but his words to convey his rancor. We catch Timon as he is leaving his home town behind forever.
This speech is filled with imagery as Timon wishes ill on Athens, and its inhabitants, with brilliant detail. Perhaps the most resonant to us today is when he invokes plagues and wishes, friendship turn to poison and that “breath infect breath.” The Bare Mountain trail takes the visitor to the summit, 500 feet above sea level, for a stunning view overlooking the town of Clarenville, Shoal Harbour, Random Island, and the White Hills. All of Clarenville, new and old is spread out at your feet. It truly is a magnificent vista and well worth the effort. Continuing beyond the summit, you descend some steps to a man-made duck pond whose residents are always eager to greet travelers. The route wanders back down to the beginning through fir and spruce woods that make every day smell like Christmas! For more information on Clarenville and their beautiful trail system visit Clarenville.ca |
Flatrock
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Flatrock, NL is a stunning location with its unique geological formations that form dramatic ramps, outcroppings, and waterfalls. It draws hikers, and climbers, as well those seeking the famous Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto that was blessed by Pope John Paul II.
Isabella, from the play Measure for Measure, is a deeply virtuous woman who finds herself caught between a rock and a hard place when she tries to convince the Duke that his most trusted man, Angelo, has been doing terrible things, while Angelo tries to convince the Duke that she is mad, and speaking nothing but strange, unbelievable things. Across the cove from our location is nestled the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, visited by Pope John Paul in 1984. The Grotto is a well visited historical point in Flatrock, formally dedicated on August 17th, 1958 by the Most Reverend P.J. Skinner, C.J.M. D.D.; Archbishop of St. John’s and is currently the largest religious Grotto in Eastern Canada. For more information on the museums, trails and history of scenic Flatrock, visit townofflatrock.com |
Bishop's Falls
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Coriolanus, featuring star of film and tv, Stephen Oates, was filmed in Bishop’s Falls, in the middle of their enormous and spectacular trestle bridge.
Reaching 927 feet across the stunning Exploits River, this is the longest trestle bridge on the Island of Newfoundland – longer even than the Titanic! Coriolanus is a revered and decorated soldier caught between two worlds. Cast out of Rome, his home, for not being politic, he immediately headed straight to its worst enemy, the Volces, to lead them back to wreak havoc. This is the moment when Rome, knowing it will be beaten, sends out its most powerful weapon, his family, to try and soften his resolve for revenge. Suspending the monologue in the middle of the trestle bridge reinforces the tension of being caught between these two worlds. For information on the Bishop's Falls Trestle visit NewfoundlandandLabrador.com |
Corner Brook
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The Two Gentlemen of Verona, starring Greg House and Pacey the dog, provides the viewer with astonishing views from the Curry Climb in Corner Brook, NL.
Launce and his dog, Crab, are leaving home for the first time. Soft-hearted Launce is quickly overcome with homesickness but is even more dismayed to realize that his dog doesn’t feel the same way. The Curry Climb is a beautiful nature trail for hikers and mountain bikers that is steep but provides the enthusiast with unparalleled views of the town of Corner Brook and far beyond. It is one of many diverse trails in Corner Brook. From the City’s centre, you can walk, bike, snowshoe, or hike to stunning views or many parts of the downtown. For more information on beautiful Corner Brook visit cornerbrook.com |
Supreme Court, St. John's
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The Merchant of Venice, with Elizabeth Hicks as Portia atop The Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador in downtown St. John’s is our destination.
Portia boldly disguises herself as a lawyer to defend someone from a merciless punishment that is legally tied but morally and ethically questionable. In these times, when tempers flare quickly, fed by the news and social media, she reminds us all that our pursuit of justice should be balanced, not harsh. That we need to rise above our emotions to find a more ethical and merciful path forward. The roof of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, overlooking historic St. John’s, is the evocative setting for this week’s monologue. It’s a stunning stone building in the heart of the city, that has stood for generations, surrounded by homes, churches, and businesses, while it looks out the narrows to the sea beyond. |
Bay d'Espoir
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As the United States goes to the polls, and the rest of the world watches in wonder, Rhona Buchan, as Philip, The Bastard from King John, rails against leaders, and all those who make decisions based on profit (commodity), rather than on virtue.
“The Top of the World,” as it is known locally, is a stunning location near the head of Bay d’Espoir on Newfoundland’s south coast, where bays, ponds, and wild barrens stretch as far as the eye can see. Up close we glimpse the Miawpukek First Nation-Conne River, Milltown-Head of Bay d’Espoir, and St. Joseph’s. The literal translation of the bay is Bay of Hope, but, interestingly, it is pronounced as “despair.” This double meaning rings especially true for this speech and this particular day. We would like to acknowledge that our work at Perchance, takes place on the ancestral home of the Beothuk and the Mi’kmaq. Perchance also recognizes the Inuit of Nunatsiavut and NunatuKavut and the Innu of Nitassinan, and their ancestors, as the original peoples of Labrador. Perchance strives for respectful relationships with all the peoples of this province as we search for collective healing and true reconciliation and honour this beautiful land together. |
Silver Mine Head Path, Middle Cove
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(TW) (MC)
. . 400 years before Quentin Tarantino there was William Shakespeare writing gruesome tales of bloody vengeance. Titus Andronicus captures the two perpetrators of his daughter’s violent attack and proceeds to tell them exactly what he, and she, are going to do. The spines of dead trees in part of the Silver Mine Head Path form the perfect tangled jail for this tasty Hallowe’en Treat, starring Steve O’Connell. Silver Mine Head Path, part of the East Coast Trail (ECT), is found snaking along the easterly coast of the island between Middle Cove and Torbay. The ECT unites genuine wilderness hiking with richly historic communities from Topsail Beach, to Cape St. Francis, to Cappahayden. There are over 336 kilometres of trail to explore. For more information on the trail visit the East Coast Trail Association site. |
Red Cliff Radar Station, St. John's
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On October 25th, 1415, the infamous Battle of Agincourt was fought in France. Upon it’s eve the French forces vastly outnumbered the English (more than 3 to one), but under the leadership of King Henry V, whose rallying speech is captured here by celebrated performer, Alan Doyle, the English not only survived, they suffered very few losses, becoming one of the most astonishing battle victories in history. The Cold War era US bunkers perched atop Red Cliff set the atmosphere for the post-apocalyptic vision for this scene. The scene starts with King Henry joining a meeting with his top advisors where he overhears one of them wishing for more men to help them in their battle.
Red Cliff Air Station was a General Surveillance Radar station. The remains of which are located just north-northeast of St. John's, NL, Canada. It closed in 1961. For more information on the ominous setting of this week's video visit : www.hiddennewfoundland.ca/red-cliff-radar-station |
Dungeon Provincial Park
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A collapsed sea cave creates the perfect underscore for Pericles’ extreme anxiety and worry, which leaves him feeling as if the ground has dropped away underneath him. As rising star Santiago Guzmán as Pericles works his way through the dangers facing him and his country, they are mirrored in the dramatic geological masterpiece around and below him.
The Dungeon Provincial Park is located at the tip of the Bonavista Peninsula, and features many dramatic natural features in its stunning walking trails. For more information on the province's parks visit: www.gov.nl.ca/tcar/parks/ |
Cow Head
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Fifty years after the first centralization programme began resettlement still generates controversy and emotion. What tends to be remembered are divisions within families and communities, social dislocation, the loss of a way of life, and the abandonment of communities which, in some cases, had existed since the early days of European settlement. (Heritage.nf.ca)
The brother’s dirge being sung over a youth, presumed dead, adapts hauntingly to a Mother, Deidre Gillard-Rowlings, forced to leave her home and community. Many graveyards stand, untended, all over our Province, as whole communities were relocated to streamline services beginning in the 1950’s and continuing on right through to today. This one, on the very edge of the ocean, on Cow Head, on the Great Northern Peninsula, is close to mountains, fjords, hiking trails, and the Gros Morne Theatre Festival. For more information on the resettlement program of Newfoundland and Labrador visit: www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/politics/resettlement-program.php |
Lockston Path Provincial Park
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Titania’s entreaty to Oberon to acknowledge how their actions are affecting the environment, and everyone and everything in it, is a call to action for us today. Film star Rhiannon Morgan’s appeal from inside the Maritime Barrens Ecoregion of Lockston Park, in the heart of the Bonavista Peninsula, surrounded by moss covered rocks, enormous ferns and glorious trees is both poignant and haunting. This scene was captured in between bursts of rain from a post-tropical storm, more of which are coming to our province as our global climate continues to change.
Lockston Park features sheltered campsites with a freshwater beach. A good base camp for visits to the nearby historic communities and the Rising Tide Theatre Festival. For more information on this and other provincial parks visit: www.newfoundlandandlabrador.com |
Perchance Theatre, Cupids
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Led by artistic director Danielle Irvine, Perchance Theatre produces and presents classical theatre with a focus on Shakespeare each summer in Cupids, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
In a perfect summer, we welcome people to our sail-covered stage for classical theatre performed by such nationally celebrated artists as Greg Malone. Close by you can hike trails along stunning coastline, pick berries, visit an archaeology dig and museum, whale watch, sail, and enjoy a getaway. Its stalls empty, its roof bare, the empty stage forms the base of Jaques’ melancholy monologue. Yet, we still find hope that though our theatre is closed now, we can make magic in other ways, in other places, and come together again next summer. Here is where we begin our journey! |
