New theatre is dawning at the Sunset Theatre. The world premiere of the play 17 takes place next week at the vibrant little theatre in Wells, and producer Karen Jeffery said it was such a powerful story that she had to get personally involved as soon as she was told of it by creator and performer Morag Northey.
"It's our signature piece this summer and has been in development for five summers," Jeffery said. "We have brought together an extraordinary team of people - award winning composer, director, playwright and lighting designer. It's quite a journey to finally get the Sunset Theatre to be producing theatre at this level with artists with national recognition."
Northey is known nationally as one of Canada's premier cello players. The Calgarian was featured on the Prince George stage during the 2015 Canada Winter Games and has also performed with the Prince George Symphony Orchestra.
According to Northey, 17 is about what happens "when emptiness turns inside out" and draws deeply from her well of personal experiences. "It's a 50-minute theatrical, multi-genre fusion of poetry, prose, cello, voice, storytelling, composition and improvisation" and examines her journey "as a woman, artist, mother and indomitable spirit."
Jeffery added, as someone who has been involved in the gradual development of the production almost from the start, "During 17's final refrain, having traversed a raw and challenging landscape, the audience is brought to a place of understanding that in our troubles we are not alone."
Over her 35-year music career, Northey has attained high acclaim. She performed during the 2010 Winter Olympics festivities, she has performed for then-governor general Michaëlle Jean and on the Dalai Lama's Now Tour. In addition to an array of orchestras and ensembles she has also performed with the likes of Tony Bennett, Linda Ronstadt, and Lyle Lovett.
She has a strong reputation for teaching, she is an award-winning composer, she sings as well as her cello prowess, but developing her own theatre production was a different kind of creative exercise.
To get help in this endeavour, she turned to longtime friend and Sunset Theatre proprietor Jeffery.
"Over the past five years of artist retreats, the Sunset Theatre has validated, supported and believed in my unique expression by offering space, seclusion, encouragement, wise direction and timely professional support that helped bring 17 to fruition," Northey said. "One of my dreams has been to offer a theatrical concert where the audience feels energized by the notion 'if she can make it through then so can I' and I believe 17 accomplishes this."
The play was created through the Sunset Theatre's Exploration Series with the mandate to explore, cultivate and develop artists voices and stories.
For the premier of 17, Northey will be joined by award-winning playwright Eugene Stickland, lighting designer Gerald King under the direction of Wells' own Dirk Van Stralen.
Northey presents 17 on Aug. 3, 5 (this show accessible with a pass to the ArtsWells Festival), 10-12. Tickets are $15 available at the door while supplies last, or online via the Sunset Theatre website under the Tickets heading.
