DalTheatre’s production of William Wycherley’s The Country Wife hits the stage this week at the Sir James Dunn Theatre. Director James Dodding has returned to Dalhousie for the second time after directing Trelawny of the Wells two years ago, and he hopes to entertain audiences with this 1675 Restoration comedy about an innocent country wife’s experiences in promiscuous and corrupt London society.
SEE PHOTOS: Meet 'The Country Wife,' a backstage glimpse by Katherine Wooler
SEE PHOTOS: An innocent abroad, an onstage look by Nick Pearce
Mr. Dodding believes “you can’t really change this period,” and he intends to “present the author’s work in as true and honest a way as possible,” while making a few dialogue cuts to facilitate clarity for a modern audience.
The artificial dialogue and provocative innuendo makes Restoration theatre very challenging to direct, says Mr. Dodding, and the script “demands an acrobatic wit” from the actors. He praises the acting students for “giving more than 100 per cent” and holds equal appreciation for the design departments and production crews because of “the high standard of detail that they have put into their work.”
The Country Wife features elaborate head-to-toe period costumes for every character, and utilizes an open set with three large doors to accommodate the variety of interior and exterior scenes. Period-specific lighting, sound, and props are equally important to the production, and extensive research has been put into all aspects of the play.
Lighting designer Jeremy Powell says one of the most challenging aspects was creating “non-intrusive lighting” that “didn’t look too modern.”
The Country Wife runs from March 30 to April 2, with shows at 8 p.m. March 30, March 31, April 1, and shows at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on April 2. Tickets are available through the Dalhousie Arts Centre Box Office. They are $14 regular or $7 students and seniors. Call 494-3820.