May 26, 1999

TORONTO - THEATRE VOCE PRESENTS THE NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE OF THE AWAKENING, WINNER OF THE 1989 IBSEN PRIZE

Internationally acclaimed playwright Julian Garner to attend Opening Night

Torontonians will get North America's first glimpse of an award-winning play which has touched audiences and critics across Europe. In keeping with Theatre Voce's mandate to present great international plays in Canadian productions, The Awakening features a group of artists whose talent and commitment are typical of this country's vibrant cultural scene.

Since winning the Henrik Ibsen Prize for best Norwegian play of 1989, The Awakening has been translated into several languages, and has had successful runs in Norway, England, Germany, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. After seeing the Hampstead Theatre production in London, Sheridan Morely of The International Herald-Tribune raved that "it wins through as a sociological drama of tremendous authority and control written with a kind of sparse lyricism that makes one look forward to whatever Garner chooses next." Of the same production, John Peter of The Sunday Times wrote: "This is the first of his plays I have seen and I'm certain it's not his last."

Theatre Voce is pleased to announce that Julian Garner, playwright of The Awakening, will attend opening night, June 10, 1999 at the Tarragon Mainspace Theatre. From his home in Helsinki, Finland, Mr. Garner spoke highly of Toronto, saying that "I'm very proud to be presented there."

"I'm thrilled that Julian will be here," said artistic producer Anne Page, "and proud to present this play. It's an examination of love and forgiveness written with almost shocking sensitivity. It's especially relevant here and now as we sift through current events, struggling to define justice. The play has moved audiences and received accolades throughout Europe, and now, for the first time, Julian's work will be accessible to Canadians."

The Awakening takes place in Norway, at a time when the country is still reeling from the First World War. A young man finds love and redemption on a remote island farm, until his brutal past catches up with him.

Mr. Garner lived in Norway between 1981-89 and 1993-98, and has seen his work produced by all major Norwegian theatres, and many smaller companies. He has been Writer in Residence for the Hampstead Theatre and Writer on Attachment at the Royal National Theatre Studio. The Sunday Telegraph has described him as "a writer of considerable atmospheric power." Now based in Helsinki, he is currently developing a number of projects in UK, Norway and Finlan

Theatre Voce's production, directed by Sue Miner, features Randi Helmers, Joris Jarsky, Peter Smith, and Anne Page. Set design is by Brenda Guldenstein, costume design by Nina Okens, with lighting by Michael Kruse, and fight direction by Daniel Levinson. The Awakening's musical director and composer, Sarah Granskou, performs live throughout the show.

Theatre Voce would like to thank Air Canada and its STAR Alliance partner SAS for bringing Mr. Garner to Toronto.

The Awakening previews June 8th and 9th, opens the 10th, and runs until the 27th, at the Tarragon Mainspace Theatre, 30 Bridgman Avenue, Toronto.

Box office: (416) 531-1827