The Capitol Theatre will be presenting a bilingual presentation of Carol Shields’ play, Departures & Arrivals this month.
Given all of the discussion about the need for bilingualism in the province, let me just note that our son, who is in the early French immersion program, is acting in this production which is showing on 18 & 19 April 2008 in Moncton. There is also a shorter and free show at the Moncton Airport on 27 April. Come out and support bilingual theatre in New Brunswick!
From the Facebook Group description:
Conceived through the genius of Carol Shields in 1990, this play demonstrates why she is among the most distinguished and honoured of all Canadian writers. To more closely reflect the cultural predispositions of people in southeastern New Brunswick, portions of the play have been translated into French by Jeanette Landry. The result is a fast-paced truly bilingual piece of theatre with its own percussive musical score created by Etienne Levesque. This play for the whole family is directed by Tim Borlase and assisted by Annie Laplante. It is the first time that a bilingual production has been mounted of this piece.
As a fan of Carol Shields and someone interested in bilingualism professionally, how is a play bilingual?
The actors speak English or French, depending on the scene and their character. I haven’t seen this version of the play but I know that my son has some parts in English and others in French. There are about 20 vignettes in this two-act play.