Ottawa, Ontario – From a simple, rippling pool of water, Mary Zimmerman conjures the force of Ovid’s myths into provocative and breathtaking storytelling. This splashy theatrical event lets the audience experience the unexpected consequences of humanity’s deepest desires.

From Orpheus’ desperate attempt to rescue his bride from the Underworld, to Midas’ impulsive greed, to the petulant Phaeton, son of Apollo, working out his father-son relationship on a watery therapist’s doorway, mythology was never so relevant or entertaining.

Metamorphoses marks Jillian Keiley’s debut production as NAC English Theatre Artistic Director. 

Ms Keiley, along with Set and Costume Designer Bretta Gerecke, Lighting Designer Leigh Ann Vardy, Composer and Musical Director Jonathan Monro, and the NAC English Theatre Company, has created an ambitious and innovated production that transforms the NAC Theatre stage into a watery landscape.

“Metamorphoses is about the power of transformation and our performance and design is created entirely around that notion,” said Ms Keiley. “Water changes from a stream to a storm,  objects slide from solids to liquids, characters transform from heartbroken widower to narrator to clown, all in as long as it takes for a drop of water to splash from your hand to the ground.”

"Theatre event of the year."  - Time Magazine

 

Sexual content – recommended for ages 16 and up.

The NAC English Theatre Company:
Ryan Allen, Petrina Bromley, Rachelle Casseus, Ishan Davé, Rosemary Dunsmore,
David Francis, Gemma James-Smith, Andy Massingham, Alix Sideris and Joey Tremblay.

The creative team includes: Director Jillian Keiley; Set and Costume Designer Bretta Gerecke; Lighting Designer Leigh Ann Vardy; Composer and Musical Director Jonathan Monro; Assistant Director Christine Brubaker; Fight Director John Koensgen; Stage Manager Stéfanie Séguin and Assistant Stage Manager Kai-Yueh Chen.

Metamorphoses  Based on the Myths of Ovid
January 29 – February 16

Pay-What-You-Can Performance:                
Tuesday, January 29
Previews:                  
Wednesday, January 30 and Thursday, January 31
Opening:                    
Friday, February 1

Salon Saturday:         
Saturday, February 2 at 12:45 p.m. in the NAC Salon.
NAC English Theatre Artistic Director Jillian Keiley invites English Theatre patrons to join her and Metamorphoses Set and Costume Designer Bretta Gerecke, as they discuss the creation of the play’s unusual set. Free to the public.

Talkbacks:                 

Wednesdays, February 6 and 13, and Thursdays, February 7 and 14.
Stay in your seats for a post-show question-and-answer session with artists from Metamorphoses

Performance Schedule:         
Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday matinees at 2 p.m.
(no performances on Sundays or Mondays.)

Tickets start at $22
Groups of 10 or more contact grp@nac-cna.ca or visit http://www.nac-cna.ca

Tickets are available for purchase:

• Online on the NAC’s website: www.nac-cna.ca
• In person at the NAC Box Office
• At all Ticketmaster outlets*
• By telephone 1-888-991-2787*
  *A service charge applies on all purchases made through Ticketmaster.

Find out more about NAC English Theatre on Facebook and YouTube. To discover some fascinating facts about Metamorphoses visit nac-cna.ca/englishtheatre.

Metamorphoses is part of the NAC Winter Sale. For details, visit the NAC Website at www.nac-cna.ca.

Embassy Hotel & Suites is proud to be the Official Hotel Partner for the National Arts Centre English Theatre.

Ottawa Citizen is proud to be Media Partner for the Theatre 5 Series.

 

-30-

For information, please call:
Sean Fitzpatrick, Communications Officer, National Arts Centre English Theatre
613-947-7000 ext. 389; e-mail: sean.fitzpatrick@nac-cna.ca
or visit the NAC website at www.nac-cna.ca