But for veterans like Gregory Jackson and Cian McCarron, they’re doing what they can to lend support.
“Every year we have some new people and some returning people,” said Jackson. “With the returning actors, they are usually in lead roles, but we are always there to support each other.”
The 17-year-old has the role of Petruchio is this year’s Shakespeare in the Park production. “The Taming of the Shrew” runs Aug. 4 and 5 at Victoria Park, and Aug. 7 at the Bible Hill Recreation Park. It’s Jackson’s third year with a role in the Truro Theatre Society’s production, directed by Lenore Zann, and probably his last before he heads off to university in the fall.
“Performing in your first Shakespeare play can be a bit intimidating, but it helps to have the support of others.
“Lots of patience helps,” added 14-year-old McCarron. “We just help and encourage when we can.”
The younger teenager has been cast as Hortensio, a simple, ukulele-playing, man.
“I really like acting, and in the summer there aren’t a lot of opportunities to do it,” he said.
Rounding out some of the lead roles are Abigail Carey as Katerina, Natasha Wamboldt as Bianca, and Jared Blois as Lucentio.
Jay Mosher has been cast as Tranio, and Dawson Gillis will be Biondello.
“I wanted a play with enough roles for girls, as well as a number of young male roles,” said Zann. “We have some very talented young teenage boy actors I have noticed in recitals around town, and there are some fabulous girls at CEC. ‘Taming of the Shrew’ was the best one for the cast available and those that were interested.”
Zann said the challenge, however, of presenting The Taming of the Shrew in this day and age is the misogynistic tone.
“Most of the women in that time didn’t have rights. They were to marry young, have babies and keep their mouths shut, but they had thoughts, intelligence and emotions of their own,” she said.
The story follows two sisters, both of whom are independent and don't want to be tied down. The older sister, Katerina, rebels, and is labeled a “shrew” and a jealousy ensues between the sisters. Katerina meets a rich young man who wants to marry into even more money.
In the end, who tames who, and who is the shrew?
Twitter: @TDNRaissa
IF YOU GO:
WHO: Truro Theatre Society, directed by Lenore Zann
WHAT: Shakespeare in the Park featuring The Taming of the Shrew
WHEN: Aug. 4 and 5 at Victoria Park (travelling performance); Aug. 7 at Bible Hill Recreation Park gazebo (stationary performance, bring own seating). All shows at 7 p.m.
ADMISSION: Free
ASSISTANCE FROM: Town of Truro ($2,500), Danielle Sawada of Thrown Together Pottery (Taming of the Bricks fundraiser), Kim Langille of Ohealthy Market ($200)
SAYS JAY MOSHER: “I love that I have to talk nonsense. My tongue sort of flaps over the other way from where it’s supposed to be. It’s annoying, but gratifying when you get it right.”
SAYS NATASHA WAMBOLDT: “I was involved in the first Shakespeare in Victoria Park, but missed performing in the last two. I saw them both and they were just amazing. I told Lenore, ‘I don’t want to miss out.’ It’s an amazing outlet for your creativity.”
SAYS JARED BLOIS: “I’ve always loved theatre and have never been to a Shakespeare in Victoria Park show before. Lenore reached out to me and asked if I’d audition. She told me on the spot I got a role, and I’m ecstatic to do it.”
But for veterans like Gregory Jackson and Cian McCarron, they’re doing what they can to lend support.
“Every year we have some new people and some returning people,” said Jackson. “With the returning actors, they are usually in lead roles, but we are always there to support each other.”
The 17-year-old has the role of Petruchio is this year’s Shakespeare in the Park production. “The Taming of the Shrew” runs Aug. 4 and 5 at Victoria Park, and Aug. 7 at the Bible Hill Recreation Park. It’s Jackson’s third year with a role in the Truro Theatre Society’s production, directed by Lenore Zann, and probably his last before he heads off to university in the fall.
“Performing in your first Shakespeare play can be a bit intimidating, but it helps to have the support of others.
“Lots of patience helps,” added 14-year-old McCarron. “We just help and encourage when we can.”
The younger teenager has been cast as Hortensio, a simple, ukulele-playing, man.
“I really like acting, and in the summer there aren’t a lot of opportunities to do it,” he said.
Rounding out some of the lead roles are Abigail Carey as Katerina, Natasha Wamboldt as Bianca, and Jared Blois as Lucentio.
Jay Mosher has been cast as Tranio, and Dawson Gillis will be Biondello.
“I wanted a play with enough roles for girls, as well as a number of young male roles,” said Zann. “We have some very talented young teenage boy actors I have noticed in recitals around town, and there are some fabulous girls at CEC. ‘Taming of the Shrew’ was the best one for the cast available and those that were interested.”
Zann said the challenge, however, of presenting The Taming of the Shrew in this day and age is the misogynistic tone.
“Most of the women in that time didn’t have rights. They were to marry young, have babies and keep their mouths shut, but they had thoughts, intelligence and emotions of their own,” she said.
The story follows two sisters, both of whom are independent and don't want to be tied down. The older sister, Katerina, rebels, and is labeled a “shrew” and a jealousy ensues between the sisters. Katerina meets a rich young man who wants to marry into even more money.
In the end, who tames who, and who is the shrew?
Twitter: @TDNRaissa
IF YOU GO:
WHO: Truro Theatre Society, directed by Lenore Zann
WHAT: Shakespeare in the Park featuring The Taming of the Shrew
WHEN: Aug. 4 and 5 at Victoria Park (travelling performance); Aug. 7 at Bible Hill Recreation Park gazebo (stationary performance, bring own seating). All shows at 7 p.m.
ADMISSION: Free
ASSISTANCE FROM: Town of Truro ($2,500), Danielle Sawada of Thrown Together Pottery (Taming of the Bricks fundraiser), Kim Langille of Ohealthy Market ($200)
SAYS JAY MOSHER: “I love that I have to talk nonsense. My tongue sort of flaps over the other way from where it’s supposed to be. It’s annoying, but gratifying when you get it right.”
SAYS NATASHA WAMBOLDT: “I was involved in the first Shakespeare in Victoria Park, but missed performing in the last two. I saw them both and they were just amazing. I told Lenore, ‘I don’t want to miss out.’ It’s an amazing outlet for your creativity.”
SAYS JARED BLOIS: “I’ve always loved theatre and have never been to a Shakespeare in Victoria Park show before. Lenore reached out to me and asked if I’d audition. She told me on the spot I got a role, and I’m ecstatic to do it.”
