Trinity Western University is kicking off their line up of theatre productions for the 2018-2019 season with their first show called The Game of Love and Chance.
The romantic comedy is written by Pierre Carlet de Marivaux and directed by TWU department chair and assistant professor of theatre, Kate Muchmore Woo.
Set in France in the 1730s, The Game of Love and Chance is a story about two lovers, Silvia and Dorante, who are in an arranged marriage. Before meeting for the first time, they both decide to switch places with their servants, Lisette and Arlequin, in order to check the other person out beforehand.
“It’s called The Game of Love and Chance because everyone is trying to play a game to get what they want. (They are) Playing games with each others’ hearts and minds,” said Muchmore Woo.
The mix-up results in humour, confusion and ultimately love.
Muchmore Woo said the style of the play is one of the biggest production challenges.
“It’s written in the mid-eighteenth century so there’s a certain movement style and character style. Normally our students work on realistic plays. It’s more of a big, presentation style rather than real life. Everything is heightened. Emotions are a lot higher stake and everything is felt a little bit more.”
Hayley James performs the role of Silvia, Alexandria Bay performs as Lisette, Andrew Dyck plays Dorante and Connor Thiessen performs as Arlequin.
Two supporting roles are played by Jennifer Mamchur and Emmett Hanly.
Muchmore Woo said her cast is ‘great and full of excitement.’
“There’s a willingness to take risks and play. They’ve been willing to be playful, have a good time and work together to create really memorable moments in the play. It’s fun to watch them discover things.”
Despite it’s historic setting, The Game of Love and Chance touches on universal concepts.
“Today to some extent we all hide behind masks to put our best face forward and show the more positive sides of ourselves,” said Muchmore Woo.
“It can be hard to be vulnerable and let people see not the best sides we have. In the play, the paradox is they are putting on these masks to hide the truths and in a way they’re able to do that. It’s only when the masks come down when we are really honest with each other.”
Muchmore Woo said audiences of all ages can relate to and enjoy the show.
“Young people are experiencing what love is like now, and older people, we’ve been through that and can look back on it and laugh about it.”
The second production of the season is called Upside-Down Christmas which runs from Nov. 20-Dec. 1. The third show is Anne of Green Gables: The Musical which runs from Mar. 12-30.
The Game of Love and Chance runs from Oct. 23-Nov. 3 at the Freedom Hall in Trinity Western University on 7600 Glover Rd.
Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 604-513-2188.