Magic: is it a mystical force that can only be harnessed by witches and wizards? Or is it a kind of power that anyone can evoke?
Tony Cain, the director of Alan Bennett’s People, now playing at the Langham Court Theatre, delved into the idea that magic can happen right here in the city of Victoria. According to Cain, “the magic of creation” is what happens when creative and skilled people come together in the world of theatre.
“You know, what impresses me about theatre is the people in it,” says Cain. “It’s the production side, too. You get all this talent: designing sets, painting, sound design… all of these talents just get thrown in together, and something magical happens.”
Cain reminisces back to his time spent working in theatre at Drama Centre London in the UK. “They didn’t believe in bullying you, because you don’t bring out the creative spirit that way; you have to nurture people and encourage them, give them the confidence and self esteem to be better,” he says.
Setting the record straight, Cain explained that condemning an actor wouldn’t be successful in conjuring up the magic of theatre. Instead, he takes a softer approach, breaking down the bias of the stereotypical director sitting in a wooden chair with a director’s hat and a megaphone, spitting orders at everyone. There’s much more to directing than that, he says.
“You have to teach them one on one; just how to move around the stage, how to use their voice,” says Cain.
This can be a seemingly difficult task for some; however, when done right, it can make for an alluring theatre experience, especially with a plot like that of Bennett’s People.
The enchantingly hilarious plot of People depicts an aging dowager who is losing her manor home. Luckily, she’s given a chance at redemption and an opportunity to shoot a film at the manor. Little does she know this seemingly harmless film is actually a porno flick.
According to Cain, the actors at Langham Theatre do exceptionally good work on the production.
“I’m particularly proud to be a part of it,” says Cain. “The actors have a professional attitude and you see it in their shows. They’re quite wonderful.”
People
8 pm until January 31
$21, Langham Court Theatre
langhamtheatre.ca