Keats

add to outlook add to google calendar remind me

Friday, October 23rd, 2015
Oct. 23, 24, 30 & 31 at 8 pm. Matinee Nov. 1 at 1:30 pm

Western Edge Theatre is delighted to welcome Caleb Williamson back to Nanaimo in his passionate one-person play about a passionate poet, "Keats."

Written and performed by Williamson, and produced by Qualicum's Thin Ice Theatre, "Keats" opens this Friday, Oct. 23rd at Kismet Theatre Academy (55 Victoria Rd.). Proceeds from the opening night performance will be generously donated to Western Edge. Caleb appeared in our very first season back in 2004 before heading off to train at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in England, While there, he was also able to begin pursuing what he calls his "passion project."

Set in 1820, "Keats" follows the celebrated, intense English Romantic poet from the scenic surroundings of Hampstead to the blood-soaked wards of Guys Hospital; from conversation-filled walks with his friends and his dear fiancée to the beautiful streets and ruins of Rome. It turned out to be his final year; Keats died at age 25. Rejected by the establishment of his day, he is now regarded as one of Britain's greatest poets, for works that are as rich as his life was tumultuous.

Caleb began researching the young poet by reading dozens of books and utilizing holiday trips to investigate where he lived and walked. Five years ago he approached director Ann Gates, who has staged award-winning productions for both Thin Ice Theatre and ECHO Players, to collaborate. Since then they have worked closely together, editing, workshopping and rehearsing the play.

"Keats" is performed Oct. 23, 24, 30 & 31 at 8 pm, with a matinee on Nov. 1 at 1:30 pm, at Kismet Theatre Academy.

Tickets cost $17 for Adults and $12 for Students and Seniors (65+).

Tickets for the Oct. 23rd performance may be reserved through Western Edge at 250-816-6459 or [email protected]
Tickets for all performances are also available at Fascinating Rhythm (51 Commercial St., Nanaimo) and at Mulberry Bush Book Stores in both Parksville and Qualicum.

"'Beauty is truth, truth beauty' – that is all / Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know" - John Keats, Ode to a Grecian Urn