WRllTBY FREPESSWEbNESOAY,'OCTOBER4, 1989, PAGE 11 Millar: Enjoying the challenge of directing By Trudie Zavadovics The Durham Shoestring Per- formers combine entertainment with an edge in their upcom- ing performance of a trilogy of Harold Pinter plays. The three one-act plays exa- mine communication, personal space, use and abuse of power, in the very prolific Pinter style. The English-born Pinter had an acting career which spanned 11 years, during which time he also wrote two full-length plays and five short plays for radio, television and the stage. Like Pinter director David Millar of Whitby found his crea- tive niche, an offshoot from his acting roots. "I prefer directing," says Mil- lar. "It'schallenging in a more positive way, more intriguing." Millar, who finds it difficult to perform, says that his first directing experience, 'The Physi- cists,' was very successful. He says it seems that he learned to direct through osmosis. He has directed theatre groups in Port Perry and Uxbridge, the Oshawa Little Theatre and, for the third time, he is bringing his directing talents to the Durham Shoestrng Players. "I used to think it was easier to direct kids," says Millar. He thought them more spontaneous and creative than adult actors. "I no longer feel that way. I am meeting more spontaneous, crea- tive adult actors and feel lucky to be working with such incredible actors in these plays." He prefers to use a "free-flow" style of directing, inviting crea- tive input from the actors and together coming up with the character. For 16 years, the Durham Shoestring Players have stuck to the objectives set out by artistic director Jeannine Butler. "It is an alternate theatre," says Millar. "It doesn't choose the commercial success type of play but meets Jeannine's objec- tives of being thought provoking, interesting and entertaining and challenging the audience, actors and directors. "Pinter's style is unique and stark," says Millar. "It's like scrutinizing something' magni- fied, so out of proportion. It doesn't lead you along. There is no plot in 'Landcape, (the least conventional of the three plays), and it forces the audience to participate." 'Landscape' was first broadcast on radio in 1968. Pinter had taken a turn from his Comedies of Menace as some had labeled his earlier plays as having a more philosophical and lyrical style. 'Ni htschool,' the most conven- tional of the three plays to be performed, was first presented on television in 1960. Pinter, unhappy with this original ver- sion, rewrote it for radio in 1966. A comedy, it deals with one's loss of personal space and the lengths to which one will go to regain it. 'A Kicd of Alaska,' the last of the thrèe plays, was first perfor- med in 1982, the vear after -Pinter had written the screen- play for 'A French Lieutenant's Womar.' In addition to the themes of personal space and communication the play deals with time, the self and memory. The plays will be presented on Oct. 27 and 28 and Nov. 3 and 4, 8 p.m., at the arts resource centre behind Oshawa city hall. Advance tickets are $4 and can be purchased at Merle Norman Cosmetics and Information Osh- awa. Tickets at the door will be $5. At the end of each evening there will be a Green Room reception followed by a social hour. Band plays Oct. 12 Whitby Brass Band presents a fall concert on Thursday, Oct. 12, 8 p .m., at Heydenshore Pavilion. music from Gershwin to Andrew Lloyd Webber, and from Gounod to Holst, will be fea- tured. Admission is free, all are wel- come. For more information call 668-4715. MR34 TV~ ..ounge ZORBA'S CLUB Thursday - Saturday cr E)E) Bouzouki Band ·00 pm -2-0C am STEAK & SEAFOOD Twilight Fall Dinner Specials Monday - Thursday Filet Mignon Chicken Parmesan Seafood Platter Prime Rib $9095 your choice Also new menu 922 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa 1433-111 EDiShEDsi D aricnring COSTUM:E] HENTALS 1 NOW