With its 150th production, community theatre group Dartmouth Players not only closes its 2021-2022 season with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, but it also marks the final show at the Sawmill Theatre, the company’s home for the past 36 years.
While we are sad to be leaving our home by Sullivan’s Pond, we wish to go out with a bang with one of the great plays by one of the world’s greatest authors.
One of The Bard’s romantic comedies, Twelfth Night, tells the story of the shipwrecked Viola and her twin brother Sebastian. Each believing the other drowned, Viola disguises herself as a young man. Under the name of Cesario, she gets a job as a servant and falls in love with Duke Orsino, who in turn is in love with Countess Olivia. Upon meeting Viola, the Countess falls in love with her, thinking she is a man.
“When I agreed to direct Twelfth Night, it was for some time in the uncertain future, but since I love Shakespeare so much and had such a great time doing Much Ado just before lockdown, I figured it would be a risk but a worthwhile one,” says director Joanne Arbuthnott.
Calling it one of the most challenging productions due to COVID and the theatre company’s search for a new home, Arbuthnott says the mantra “the show must go on” has seen them through.
“I’m grateful to the cast and crew for their patience, energy, enthusiasm, hard work, and creativity. We hope you enjoy the show,” she says.
Dartmouth Players presents Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at the Sawmill Playhouse (33 Crichton Ave, Dartmouth) from June 9-25. Visit dartmouthplayers.ns.ca for tickets and information.