PAGE 10, WIITBYfFREE PRESS, WflNESDAY, JANUARY 22.1992 Whitby Courthouse Theatre launches space probe The Whitby Courthouse Theatre has launched a search for alternate space during the renovation of the Centennial Building, that may begin as early as -neit fall, according toE Henry Schregardus, president of the S -l adussaid the group is voy excited about the renovations planned - for the building that houses the group's long-time home. "But, at the same time, wQ have to be prepared for the fact that during constructiori, we'll lose our usual space for building sets, rehearsing and performmg our productions.' Schregardus said that Whitby Courthouse Theatre is committed to presenting a full season despite the disruptions. 'We don't want to close down for a semn and lose the nomentum we've built up over the last 20years." According to Schregardus, there's othorreason to plan on doing business as usual. "We must have alternate space ready for the earliest possible start date, that could be the faU of 1992. "On the other hand, if the start date is delayed, we have to be ready for another season in our usuel location. We have to be ready for anything." The smail auditorium officially known.as the John A. IacDonald Theatre, has been home to the group since its incorporation more than 20 years ago. The theatre com takes its name from the fact that te room was the county courthouse until 1964, when the new county offices opened on Rossland Rd. E. At this point, no start date has been set 'for the . work to commence. Last July, Whitby council approved the project, but plans must go through several steps before a firm date can beo established. "We're appealing to anyone on a corporate or private level who might have indoor space we could use. It doesn't have to be theatre space," sav Schregardus. 'To, rehearsal and set construction, all we need is heat, hydro, wasbrooms and running water. It could be an empty church, warehouée. space, school gym or a barn. 'We'il consider just about anything. And, 'of course, we'il take good care of the space," said Schregardus. le. . k»' r kEl4¾4Z4:,>A. u """"l" ..... ... » .. . . .. ... .. .. Tho Whitby Courthouse Theatre will present the suspense drama 'Nuts' written by Tom Topor, in February. The play is directed by Susan Farr and produced by Michael Roantree. 'Nuts' is the story of an unusual and enigmatic young woman played by Roz Michaels) who is the subject of intense debate by lawyers, doctors and her own parents at a courtroom 1hey discver that the truth is harder to find and more shoeldng than they expect. The cast is made up of a number of veteran WCT members including Ron Windling, Michael Roantree, Joan Roantree, Dan Wyse, Gary Hatton, Carol Hatton, Ken Bond and Franco Minatel. The costume . designers are Barbara Hubert and Sandra Hawkshaw, the duo who produced the outfits for the last Courthouse production, 'Guys and Dolls.' Original music has been produced for the drama by Myra White. The set designer is Nina Foal. The play is not recommended for children as it deals with adult themes and language. Performances are Thursday, Feb. 13 through Saturday, Feb. 15, Thursday, Feb. 20 to Saturday, Feb. 22, and Thursday, Feb. 27 to Saturday, Feb. 29. Tickets are available at Lafontaine Trading Post, 122 Brock St. N., Whitby (430-3774). For more information about tickets or subscriptions, -call 428-3795. Plays announced for 1992-1993 Whitby Courthouse Theatre 1993 and 'Catch Me If You Can,' wil present the following plays April 22 to May 8, 1993. for the 1992/93 season: 'The Those interested in directing Wizard of Oz,' Nov. 5 to 21, one of these plays should call 'Murder at the Howard Henry Schregardus at 430-7446 Johnsons,' Feb. 18 to March 6, by March 16. Burns Night 'With a Difference A Burns Night 'With a Dif- ference' will be held by the Vital SpJ lFo Club on Saturday, Jen.25,1in Oshawa. Sottish musical-coinedy per- formers Tam Kearnay, Enoch' Kent and Bobby Watt will be hosts for the special Robbie Burns event that will feature such traditionaf lare as the hag- gis but also some surprises. À piper and flddler will be part of the entertainmient for the pro- gram that gets underway at 8 p.m., at the Masonic a ll, 91 Centre St. S.,Oshawa. Admission is $10 for non-mem- bers, $8 for members., WHITBY'S JUDITH EDMONDSON play runs from Feb.6 to 9, 13 to 16 (left) directs Brian Stevenson (mid- and 20 to 22. Tickets are $10 and de) and Claude Vipond in a scene available at Saywells Bookstore in from the Oshawa Little Theatre pro- Oshawa or at the box office the' duction of 'he Cocktail Hour. The night of the performance. Photo byMkln..r, WhMly Fr. PrM McLaughlin gallery: Thomson 'Echoes,' Circus* Vesta exhibition 'Echoes of Tom Thomson,$ an exhibition of paintings -and drawings largely drawn from the ery's permanent collection at explores Thomson's influence on Canadian contem art, will open at thaelLert McLublin Gallery on Jan. 23. Myths are central to the opment of Canadian art, and yet few of them have been arined in depth. All the painters in the exhibition, from long-established r tioners such as Gordon yner,Joyce Wieland and Richard Gorman t you artists surh as David Alezxan Alex Cemeron and Rae Jobnson, are concerned with Canadian myth, particulriy as itfocuses on The exhibition, which te legendary and elusive figure continues until March 1, wiil be iof Tom Thomson. ecompanied by an essey by Joan The exhibition reflects on Murray publised in te 'Journa Thomson's meaning to of Canadian Studies.' contemporry art. . 'Circus Vesta,' an exhibition At first glance, present-day of photogra hy by camera-artist pexntings may appear remote Linda War Seibie wiil o n at from Thomson's sensibility. But the Robert McLaughlinGaiery, instead of turning Thomson into a on Jan. 23. way of redeeming Canadian life, The exhibition will explore the they keep in mind a sobering traditional maleffemale relation- biographical reference point: a shipo 'within Western society and man, a painter, who died in 1917. offer possble solutions to the That the do some emotional inequalities that occur within jstli witwhat they want to these structures. e is nevitable.'Ihe y nt e Selbie uses.photography as a plunging into the thpainfter medium since it offers a moment powngig fin0 t i time taken from ongoing own confuions.realit. refiy Her work displey. human behaviour as it is played out in the public arena. A feminiat artist, Ward defines her concerne as "primarily for humanity and the civilization of om- species." She feels that contempor western culture contains bo Matant and subtle undertonea of violence that inhibit the development of an alternative to our present patriarchal society. 'Circus Veta' explores the themes of the powerful and powerless with the view that equality within humanity is not Spossible at this time: women must change the male-oriented mythologies and hierarchies tht exist in society before humanity can strive towards perfection. The four walls of the gallery space are treated as a circle since the artist feelsthat this form triggers in the subconscious images of life and death, the seesons and the four elements (earth, air, fire and water). The exhibition includes 30 works and is accompanied:by a gallery pamphlet. The public is invited to meet the artist at the opening reception on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m.