Western Edge Theatre presents Switzerland

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Saturday, January 28th, 2017
7:30pm Jan.29-2pm

THEATRICAL CAT-AND-MOUSE GAME “SWITZERLAND” LAUNCHES 2017 AT WESTERN EDGE

Nanaimo’s Western Edge Theatre begins 2017 on a suspenseful note with “Switzerland,” a psychological thriller and theatrical cat-and-mouse game by Joanna Murray-Smith, opening January 20th.

"Switzerland" centers on the real-life author Patricia Highsmith, known for her own celebrated thrillers, including "Strangers on a Train," which became a classic Alfred Hitchcock film, and "The Talented Mr. Ripley," made into a movie starring Matt Damon. In "Switzerland," she finds herself in a situation as intricate and mysterious as any she ever created, when she’s visited in her isolated Swiss villa by a representative of her publisher.

At least, that’s who he says he is, but as "Switzerland" unfolds, the author realizes she may have met her match when it comes to cunning and menace.

"Switzerland" features Joanne Rowland as the tough-as-nails, alcoholic, gun-collecting author and Ash Chandler-Pease as her visitor. Director Coralee Draginda has assembled a stellar design team to weave the increasingly unsteady atmosphere into which Highsmith is drawn. “We hope to give the audience the feeling that they are in the room with the characters,” she says. The set designer is Leon Potter, with Jethro Allen-Martin as lighting designer and sound design by Craig Burnett. Shelby Nicholson-McCoy is the stage manager.

The play comes with an audience advisory for adult language and content.

"Switzerland" plays for five performances only, Jan. 20, 21, 27, 28 at 7:30 pm and Jan. 29 at 2 pm at Harbour City Theatre (25 Victoria Rd., Nanaimo).

Tickets cost $24 for Adults, $20 for Seniors (65+) and $12 for students, available online at westernedge.org, by phone at 250-816-6459, and at Catwalk Fashions (13 Commercial St., Nanaimo).

Western Edge Theatre’s 2016-17 season is generously sponsored by Romper Room Indoor Rock Climbing Centre. It is also made possible by financial support from the City of Nanaimo and the Province of British Columbia.