SEE Magazine
Copyright © 1998. All Rights Reserved.
NEWS FRONT
BY SCOTT LINGLEYAfter a near-death experience three short years ago, Edmonton's Theatre Network has made a dramatic recovery. In the spring of 1995, the production company was foundering in inherited debt and watching its home base, the Roxy Theatre, fall into serious disrepair. Worst of all, it wasn't selling seats for its dramatic offerings.
A lean year and a number of miracles later, Theatre Network began to rally and generate some excitement for its productions. The company's fortunate streak culminated this year in the most nominations for the 1997/98 Sterling Awards of any theatre company, topping even the formidable Citadel with 13. A co-production with Ronnie Burkett's Theatre of Marionettes, Tinka's New Dress took five of the six awards for which it was nominated at last week's Sterlings, recognizing theatre supremacy in Edmonton.
But the euphoria surrounding Theatre Network's big night was dimmed somewhat when artistic director Ben Henderson announced, during an acceptance speech, his departure from the company after five seasons. Henderson has been a key player on Team Network in recent years, serving as director on acclaimed productions like The Stone Angel , a co-production with Workshop West, as well as procuring hits like Tinka and MacHomer for Theatre Network's schedule.
Henderson told SEE he'd rather not comment on his reasons for abdicating his position at this point, but Theatre Network's board of directors met Tuesday evening to discuss what next season will hold and who might fill Henderson's shoes. Currently Bradley Moss, a guiding force behind the Syncrude Festival of the NeXt Generation, is serving as interim artistic director.
"In the coming months, the board will want to determine what we want to do - whether we want to go out on a search (for an artistic director) or try to grow our own," said Paul Manuel, president of the board of directors for Theatre Network. "Bradley has been associated with the company for three years now . . . and we'd like to give him a chance to show us what he can do as artistic director."
Manuel says the personnel change does not mean a shift in artistic vision. "Certainly we're still committed to our role to produce the best new and contemporary Canadian works, as well as the best stuff from around the world."
Theatre Network's new season comprises four plays, three of which are Canadian, including another co-production with Theatre of Marionettes called Street of Blood. The company is negotiating with Henderson to direct Edmonton playwright Marty Chan's Mom, Dad, I'm Living with a White Girl , which he directed for last winter's Springboards Festival.
Moss has nothing but praise for his predecessor and is feeling a little daunted by the legacy he's been left. "I think Ben is brilliant, myself. I worked under him for three years and I learned a ton and maybe that's why I'm feeling overwhelmed and scared right now. Because those are pretty big shoes to fill."
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