William & James
Directed by: Davyn Ryall (Receipiant of the cornucopia for stage decoration - Harvest 2006.).
Featuring:
Ryan Browne as William
&
Christian Bugden as James
Receipient of the cornucopia for most notworthy performance by a leading actor in French and English - Harvest 2006.
nytheater.com - NYC July 19 2007
HOUR - Montreal August 17, 2007
There was... William & James
A tragic tale of unrequited love.
Cherry Lane Theater
38 Commerce Street
Village - New York City
William & James
performance schedule:
Wed. July 18 18h00 (6PM)
Thur. July 19 18h00 (6PM)
Fri. July 20 19h30 (7:30PM)
Sat. July 21 16h00 (4PM)
LATECOMERS ALLOWED - 30 minutes
Reservations for tickets : $25. USD
Tel: 866-811-4111
www.
theatremania.com
In 19th century Victorian England, a social encounter between two aristocrats leads to a bizarre living arrangement. Trading financial and domestic security, the agreement locks the men in a battle for dependence, power, and control. This is an intriguing and provocative tale examining the complexities of relationships and the definitions of love. It ultimately and ironically begs the question and insists ‘just because we were incapable or unwilling to call it what it was, does not mean it did not exist.' A beautiful and romantic yet tragic tale of unrequited love. Synopsis L.V.
Heightened language, a playful repartee, and a considered delivery give this play it’s edge and broad appeal.
“I’ve never seen such a 'dramatic' response to a play, ever. It appeals to a very broad audience demographic… both women and men, young and old, laughed and then equally shed tears… it was fascinating to witness during the performances from the back of the room as the second to last scene unfolds, audience members arms gravitating towards the shoulders of their partners in the seat next to them, clearly identifying the couples in the room. Many of the theatre goers loved the play so much that they came to enjoy it twice; some even the same day.” Davyn Ryall
"I can not read this play without getting a lump in my throat... each time I see it I get carried away with the actors and emotionally caught up with the characters. I've seen it at least fifty times."
Recipint of 3 Cornucopia Awards at the 2006 Montreal Harvest Int'l. Theatre Festival:
Original script, Performance by an actor leading role, Stage design.
"I enjoyed the French premiere so much that I went back that same evening to see the English version. Both productions are equally enjoyable to see. Two times Bravo!” - Marie-Andrée Parent: Prémiere Delires - CKUT Radio McGill 90.3FM
“The beautiful quality of the language is a pleasure to listen to; Robert Tsonos of Montreal is a real discovery... The brilliant minimalist direction of Davyn Ryall placing the emphasis on the intimacy of the play that we feel like voyeurs we are so close and involved with the actors. Christian Bugden in the role of the rich British aristocrat James, is another great new discovery… playing magnificently with admirable natural elegance and his generous subtitle nuance of the role.” - Francine Grimaldi, Radio Canada – En attendant Le Bigot.
“…this is a charming and discreet piece of homosexual theatre that ultimately and ironically insists through the character of William that, “just because we were incapable or unwilling to call it what it was does not mean it doesn’t exist.”” - X-TRA magazine Toronto.
“...entertaining ...elegant and witty ...a refreshing mix of Oscar Wilde banter with Jane Austen’s penetrating insight... The real metaphor here is how we all construct fantasies to live in or by...” – The Globe and Mail
“...finally a play that is a whole lot more about love and politics than it is about sex or even sexuality.” – The Toronto Sun
“Best of all is Tsonos’ clever, economical, brittle dialogue - a cross between Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward. ...not to be missed.”– Classical 96.3 fm
“A heart-tugging look at grief and the bittersweet sorrow of love unacknowledged… Although set over 150 years ago the emotional roller coaster that this couple endure could easily be transported into the year 2000...” – Torontostage.com
“Robert Tsonos’ William & James is a gorgeous play in every sense.” – Classical 96.3 fm
“The humour is swift, intelligent and brittle...” – scenechanges.com
William & James premiered at Toronto’s Theatre Passe Muraille in 2003 and received two Dora Award nominations; for set design and costume design. William - Michael Schultz & James - Mark Caven.
Bios:
Robert Tsonos (Playwright) Originally from Montreal, has spent the past 16 years as an actor and director working in Asia. His most recent play The Hum was recently awarded an honorable mention in The Herman Voaden National Playwriting Competition. William & James (Productioon History) was first performed at Toronto’s Theatre Passe Muraille in 2003 and has received staged readings in Melbourne, Australia and in Washington D.C. and was translated into French by Village Scene Productions Montreal, where it was performed 42 times in English and French to rave reviews and won the playwright a cornucopia award for best original script at the 2006 Harvest Int'l. Theatre Festival. In 2007 it was produced in Ottawa at the Civic Center, and Scene one at the Montreal Fringe outdoor stage. Other writing credits include the CBC Radio Drama Ice Age, Running: three short plays at the Summer Works Festival, I Am Not The One as part of Buddies in Bad Times Ante Chamber Series, and the short film Coffee Dogs. Robert’s children’s play, Sharnoozle! Has recently toured in east-Asia.
Davyn Ryall (Director) Anative of Montreal, he is the artistic director and co-founder with his husband Ricky Smith of Village Scene Productions (2000) and the Harvest LGBT Int’l Theatre Festival now in its 4th season. A member of Union des Artists he works in French film and television but he mostly enjoys collaborating and developing new work, promoting new talent, and directing for the stage: Mauvais Match (2002 Fringe, Harvest 04); Come Clean and Exploration (Fringe 2003); Seedlings (Harvest 2005); Mae Day (Fringe 2006) William & James (Harvest 2006, Fringe & F.F.F. 07); A Queer Carol (Harvest 2007) V.S.P. has developed over a dozen productions in Quebec in English and French and toured in 2002 to the Columbus Ohio L.G.B.T. Int’l. Theatre Festival. He is very proud to bring with his actors this latest creation from VSP off-Broadway. Thanks to: The folks at the Fresh Fruit Festival for the invitation, and all those who collaborated on bringing us to this stage.
Ryan Browne (William) A graduate of Canterbury High School's visual art program and with a degree in animation from Algonquin College, Ryan has focused much of his creative spirit towards the visual arts. But acting has always been a competing passion. Ryan is thrilled to be making his debut off-Broadway in William and James. He has appeared in several independent shorts and features in Ottawa, along with theatre work: Reality Check, William & James, and the upcoming Theatrelife. Ryan thanks his family and friends for their love and support.
Christian Bugden (James) For the last six years he has been an active member of Montreal’s artistic community. On stage or in front of a camera, in English or in French, he proves himself to be an actor of grace and subtility. His experiences as a street performer and entertainer permit him to be at ease in all types of performances. Co-director and founding member of Les Productions Pandore, he originates his new creations. The diversity of his skills is the force of this young actor. Always looking for new opportunities to develop, he approaches each project with enthusiasm. He likes to question the position of the artist and the role the audience has to play and is always a strong part of any team.