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32 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday May 30, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Artscene Oakville Beaver · FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2008 Play examines what it means to be "trying" By Tina Depko OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Do you have a boss who is trying? Sarah Shore does, but rather than give in to the tyrant, she stands her ground. She won't let his title intimidate her. Sarah's boss is Francis Biddle, former attorney general of the United States under Franklin Roosevelt, and chief American judge of the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials. Their relationship, based on the actual life of Francis Biddle and the author who worked for him in 1967, is explored in the play, Trying. Act of Faith Productions is presenting the show two weekends in June at West End Studio Theatre. Trying, penned by Canadian playwright Joanna McClelland Glass, is set in the 1960s when Biddle is in the twilight of his life. He is a cantankerous old man who is preparing for his imminent death. "He had a record of accomplishment throughout this life, but now he's 81 and he says he is in the last year of his life," said Vince Carlin, who tackles the role of Biddle. "He's old, cranky and impossible. Here's a man who was brilliant in his time and knows he is dying, but still has his faculties most of the time. He picks fights with his assistants just to prove he is alive." Carlin said he sees a lot of similarities between himself and Biddle. "I am cranky and old," he joked. "Seriously, I was born in the States and I grew up in the '50s. This play takes place just down the street from where I went to university at exactly that time -- 1967 -- so I probably walked by his house." Biddle gets more than he bargains for when Sarah comes to work for him in his Washington office. Sarah was raised in Saskatchewan and comes with the characteristic Prairie traits of quiet determination and good humour. "She has moved to D.C. with her husband and is simple, direct and a good old Canadian girl," said Carolyn Campbell, who stars as Sarah. Campbell said she admires the character she portrays on stage, adding that she would like to be more like the headstrong woman. "There are some points I can see the resemblance, but she's a lot more honest," she said. "She tells it like it is, and she is more direct that way than I am." Although their outlooks are drastically different, each comes to admire the other, ultimately learning a few lessons about this thing we call life. "His vision of life affects her and she sees what gifts she has been given," Carlin said. "It is actually a funny show. It is not a comedy, but it is a play with a lot of humour in it." Carlin, who comes from Oakville, and Campbell, who hails from Stoney Creek, are experienced actors with a long list of credits. Although this is their first time working together, they get along famously, according to director Dia Frid. "They are kindred spirits, as well as being terribly good at what they do, so you start the process at a very high level," said Frid, who has worked on the professional theatre scene for more than 20 years. The show will be staged at West End Studio Theatre in a black room that will be transformed into a theatre, complete with risers and a stage. Cast members say they view the space as having unlimited potential, especially when it comes to intimacy with the audience. "There are challenges and there are opportunities," Carlin said. "You are very close to the audience here. Shows really benefit from that type of charge." Trying will appeal to a wide audience demographic, according to Frid. "It is for anyone who is exposed to all of the thoughts of what life means," she said. "It is not really about dying, this play is about the definition of life and whether one exists or whether one really lives." Act of Faith Productions is an Oakville- CHRIS KORNACKI / OAKVILLE BEAVER LIFE OR SOMETHING LIKE IT: Vince Carlin and Carolyn Campbell take on the roles of American Francis Biddle and Saskatchewan girl Sarah Shore in Act of Faith Productions' presentation of Trying. The show examines how one chooses to live and the friendships that can ultimately change our outlook on life forever. based theatre company that formed four years ago. It has presented two shows to date, including Faith Healer by Brian Friel and Honour by Joanna Murray-Smith. The company's mission is to present professionallevel plays that are not often staged. The two previous shows have only run one weekend, so increasing this year's run to two weekends is an act of faith, according to Carlin. He said that he is optimistic that people will come. "This is a big step for us this year," he said. "The people who have come to past shows have really liked them, so this gives them a chance to tell others to come see the show on the next weekend." Trying runs June 12 to 14 and June 19 to 21 at 8 p.m. at West End Studio Theatre, 1109 North Service Rd. E. Tickets cost $20. For tickets or information, contact West End Studio Theatre at 905-845-9378. Join Us For Golf This Season! Limited number of memberships available! Associate Membership.................................................$299.99 Weekday Membership ............................................ $2,575.99* Weekday & after 1:30 on weekends Membership $2,985.99* Full Introductory Membership............................. $3,899.00* *Includes: driving range; club storage & cleaning plus use of pull cart; lockers & computerized handicapping. FAMILY NIGHT SPECIAL Friday, Saturday & Sunday Evenings After 6:00 pm 905-336-3660 $ 00 per player BOOK NOW! 18 Visit Us Online: www.hiddenlakegolf.com