Reading week just wrapped up at Brandon University which means the Evans has undergone its annual transformation from classroom/film projection room to center stage for the upcoming Brandon University Theatre production. While most students are off enjoying their free time or finishing up the papers and assignments that have been piling up over the semester Theatre Professor and Director Jim Forsythe and his raggled taggled mix of drama students were busy hard at work putting the finishing touches on the set in the Evans.

Having been a Theatre minor while in university I had the opportunity to be a part of the magic. Two of my most memorable weeks in university revolved around my time participating in the stage crew, building sets, finding props, painting floors, walls, and everything else possible it seemed including the actors. It doesn’t matter what part I play when it comes to theatre, it can be behind the scenes, on stage, or as an audience member any way it happens the intoxication of the play remains the same. This time around another crew, some old, some new, are experiencing that same thrill and excitement as they prepare for the opening night of Wajdi Mouawad’s Scorched.

Scorched is the story of twins Simon and Janine who are summoned to the office of a notary to hear the last will and testament of their mother, Nawal. They are both handed a sealed letter written by their mother. One is to be delivered to their brother and one to their father. Both thought their father was dead and never knew of a brother, and so begins the mystery. The letters send them on a journey into their mother’s past, to a Middle Eastern country engulfed in a civil war where she was a political activist and later became a prisoner of war. With such intense subject matter this is a dramatic tale that will get your blood pumping and keep you glued to the edge of your seat. As such though there are some graphic scenes that include the use of extreme language and some violence, adult attendance is recommended.

Looking at the impressive cast and considering the emotional script I am anticipating this to be one of the best plays I have ever seen. Jim Forsythe doesn’t disappoint when it comes to his choices and I think he is right on the money this time around when I see his cast. The cast features Brenda Lacerte, Ashley Hancharyk and Meagan Miller as the three generations of the mother, Nawal.  Fans of Mecca and Seven Ages will recognize John Szabo, Kenna Simpson and Ken Jackson as well as Jeremy Lancaster and Jenna Cameron playing the twins. Rounding out the cast are BU students Ripley Large, Joanne Fabro and Johnson Apetagon.  Knowing the works of the majority of those listed I will say once again that this is going to be a play to remember.

Scorched will be featured in the Evans Theatre at Brandon University for two weekends. The first showings are on Friday, February 26th and Saturday, February 27th at 8:00 pm. Followed the next week on Friday, March 5th and Saturday, March 6th at 8 pm with a final matinee performance Sunday, March 7th at 2:00pm. Tickets are $10.00 and are available at Campus Books, and at the door. ** Brandon University students will receive one free admission with their BU student card.**