TFS Stage Production of ‘The Dead’ Breathes New Life into James Joyce’s 1914 Tale
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Toronto Film School acting students will revive a classic James Joyce tale later this month, when their adaptation of The Dead hits the stage at the Papermill Theatre.
Adapted and directed by Aaron Willis, the 75-minute play breathes new life into Joyce’s exploration of love, loss and the nature of Irish identity, which was first published in his 1914 collection, The Dubliners.
The story is set in Dublin, Ireland in 1904, and takes place during a holiday party on Jan. 6 – the twelfth and final day of the Christmas season.
“It’s a holiday gathering like so many others; with family, with friends, and with all of the unspoken drama that rises to the surface when we come together during this time of year…” Willis explained.
“When we’re sitting around the holiday table, it’s hard to keep from thinking about who among us is no longer here, and who among us may not be here at this time next year,” he added.
“Instead of banishing those thoughts, what if we opened our ears to try and hear the voices that have passed on into that other world? If the dead whispered their secrets to us, what might we hear them say? And what gifts – or epiphanies – might they offer us?”
The Dead, which is stage managed by Obi D’Meano, will take to the stage at the Papermill Theatre for a three-performance run on Dec. 21, 22 and 23 as follows:
- Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 22 at 9 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 23 at 11 a.m.
The Papermill Theatre is located at Todmorden Mills, 67 Pottery Rd. Tickets are free and available at the door.
The Creative Team Behind The Government Inspector:
Aaron Willis – Director
Obi D’Meano – Stage Manager
Sierra-Leanor Andrade as Miss O’Callaghan
Kalifa Bitter as Aunt Julia Morkan
Brandon Boucher as Mr. Bergin, Michael Furey
Michael Anthony Cannone as Mr. Kerrigan, Hotel Porter
Gabriela Diaz Cano as Aunt Kate Morkan
Nam Huynh as Mr. Grace, Cab Driver 2
Jessica Judith as Mary Jane Morkman
Melina Joseph as Miss Furlong
Avery Knoll as Gretta Conroy
Damon G. Macht as Freddy Malins
Sebastian Hernández Reza as Bartell D’Arcy
Julianne Roche as Lily, Molly Ivors
Cobourn Sands as Gabriel Conroy
Angela Schottroff as Miss Higgins
Logan Standing as Mr. Duffy, Cab Driver 1
Denanh Tran as Mr. Browne
Elisa Wier as Miss Daly, Mrs. Malins