Local history comes alive in a theatrical special event scheduled for circa immediately.
Circa is the name of this unique theatre show, and it happens inside The Exploration Place using the museum almost like a character in the story. It is presented by drama company Live History.
"This one woman experience has traveled extensively for the past two years, taking audiences on a journey through time," said The Exploration Place deputy director Amanda Smedley.
"Live History brings historic personalities to life while engaging audiences in solving a mystery within the museum walls."
All of the shows in the Circa series are tailored specifically to the community in which the performance happens. The lead actor in the proceedings, Jasmine Bowen, sets the scene.
"It's almost closing time at The Exploration Place when you run into a strange figure, dressed in period clothes and seeming confused," she said.
"The mysterious character, identifying only as Circa, is horrified to discover she is in the modern era, and many of the things she remembers and loves are now behind glass. She has no recollection of who she is or how she got there. Only items from the past seem to trigger memories and stories about her identity. Stay with Circa for anecdotes from the exhibit's time period, and travel through other exhibits, searching for clues. Make sure to avoid the security guard at closing time in order to help Circa find her identity. That's the ultimate treasure."
The actor in this case is a woman, but there is no guarantee the historical figure was a woman. Bowen told The Citizen that, in some cases, the client who set up the show asked them to portray a character who is still alive and in some cases in the room as the show unfolds. Each time, a person is chosen to be the centre of the mystery and it is up to Living History staff to do the research and create the script.
In this case, she said, The Exploration Place chose a real-life character from the first half of the 20th century but that's the only clues she'll give. The truth will be revealed, clue by clue, as the performance unfolds.
The Ontario-based theatre company will perform Circa shows in more than 60 venues across six countries this year. It is a performance premise that has caught on with museums, historic sites, and other facilities. This is their first visit to Prince George.
"No two shows are the same, because it is so interactive with the audience," said Bowen, on of the co-founders of the theatre company and the only actor in this particular production (some shows involve larger casts, and often some are local actors).
"The future of entertainment is interactive and we have a love of museums which is an industry that's having a hard time with audiences, in recent years. Fewer people are going and fewer of those are making return visits. That might not be the case in Prince George, but helping out the museum industry is why we exist as a theatre company, and we're pretty confident it will be a lot of fun to see your local history played up in this way. It's a little bit like Night At The Museum, a little bit like an escape room mystery and it's got all this local content you'll maybe be familiar with."
Each show lasts about an hour, and the content moves quickly and using adult-oriented themes so children are not encouraged to attend. The first one is today at
11 a.m. (free with regular museum admission), then one at 7 p.m. (admission $11).
On Saturday, there are once again shows at 11 a.m. and
7 p.m. (same prices) but children get their historical storytelling chances to participate with a workshop for ages 13-17 at 1 p.m., then another workshop at 3 p.m. for ages 12 and under. Admission for the workshops is $8.
Spaces are limited for performances and workshops, so stop in at The Exploration Place or call 250-562-1612 to reserve spaces.
