For Immediate Release For Immediate Release
Percy (Kelsey Krogman) and Mbongeni (Lindsey Sine) dance together
Rosebud, Alberta (June 25, 2010) – What is a native South African woman doing in rural Alberta? After receiving a well-rounded education in the technical elements of live theatre such as costume and set design and stage management, Belinda Jackson continues to contribute to the art scene in Rosebud on many levels. In her final year at the Rosebud School of the Arts (RSA) Belinda put her collective talents, ideas and energy into her final student project to produce Woza, Albert! and now Rosebud Theatre is remounting the show in July and August at the Rosebud Studio Stage.
After she saw Woza, Albert! in New York,
Belinda Jackson was inspired to produce
it for her final student project.
Part of the RSA curriculum is to experience theatre outside Canada. It was on an RSA trip to New York that Belinda discovered Woza, Albert! and was inspired enough to choose it for her final student project. Known for her passion and commitment to spreading the word on issues of social injustice, especially when it comes to Africa, it made sense that she would select a piece that is close to her heart and her mind. “The playwrights (Percy Mtwa, Mbongeni Ngema and Barney Simon) wrote what the people of South Africa needed to hear, rather than what they personally wanted to say,” comments Jackson.
Mbongeni and Percy nose-to-nose.
In describing the essence of Woza, Albert!, Jackson adds, “Above all, it's a story of hope. It's a story of goodness rather than religious piety winning out against all odds. The play’s message has encouraged me to continue to fight against injustice and to help strangers. It also reminds me that the only way to change the world is to stand my ground every day, even when I am beaten down. Tomorrow is another day. Woza! Rise up and stand with me!”
Percy (Kelsey Krogman) and Mbongeni (Lindsey Sine).
Woza, Albert!, plays at Rosebud’s Studio Stage July 2 to August 29, 2010. The play is a mixture of hope, comedy and lively political satire about the injustices that Apartheid brought to the oppressed people of South Africa between 1948 and 1994. Expectation and inspiration explode on stage with energy and delight.
Woza, Albert! plays Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 5:00 PM and Sundays at 5:30 PM at the Rosebud Studio Stage. Performances have been scheduled to allow Rosebud theatergoers to experience both Woza, Albert! and Oliver! on the same day. To reserve tickets call the Rosebud Theatre Box Office at 1-800-267-7553. Tickets are also available at the door (subject to availability). For more information, visit www.rosebudtheatre.com.
Cast and Crew notes: Percy (Kelsey Krogman), Mbongeni (Lindsey Sine), Director (Leah T. Hearne), Music Director (Cassia Schramm), Choreographer (Deanne Bertsch), Scenic/Costume Designer (Belinda Jackson), Lighting Designer (Brad G. Graham), Sound Designer (Sienna Howell-Holden), Production Stage Manager (Brad G. Graham) and Stage Manager (Heather Pattengale).
Interviews with Director, Leah Hearne and/or other cast members are available upon request.
Rosebud Theatre, about an hour’s drive northeast of Calgary, is nestled in picturesque country hamlet of Rosebud, Alberta. In its 27th season, Rosebud is one of Alberta’s largest theatre companies and has gained an international reputation as a premiere Canadian destination for high quality live theatre. In the past few years, Rosebud Theatre has received multiple awards including Travel Alberta’s “Alberta Pride” ALTO award, the “Rural Tourism Champion” award and the Rozsa Award. Annually, more than 40,000 patrons enjoy the “Rosebud Experience” of professional theatre, complemented by unique dining, art galleries, museums and shopping. Rosebud is also home to Rosebud School of the Arts, a post-secondary educational institution that offers conservatory training in theatre and music to students, many who advance to perform in productions by Rosebud Theatre. Box Office: 1-800-267-7553 www.rosebudtheatre.com.
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For information, interviews and/or hi-rez photos, please contact:
Ms. Heather Little, Marketing Coordinator, Rosebud Theatre 403-677-2350 heatherl@rosebudtheatre.com
Ms. Sienna Holden, Marketing Assistant, Rosebud Theatre 403-821-0523 siennah@rosebudtheatre.com
Mr. Neil Bousquet, APR, PR, Rosebud Theatre (403) 256-8834 neil.bousquet@prwizard.ca