Jan 06, 2012- 2:16 PM
The play, by Michel Marc Bouchard, which was slated to open at the Ernie Checkeris Theatre at Thorneloe University Jan. 13, takes place in the aftermath of an automobile accident on a deserted road and deals heavily with themes that are, given the deaths of seven young people on area highways on Jan. 3., too fresh in the public conscience to be appropriate, a press release stated.
“The tragic loss of seven young individuals this week has deeply impacted our entire community,” Callam Rodya, Encore's artistic director, said in a press release. “It would be irresponsible for us to proceed with this production as scheduled while our city is so shaken by these events.
“We have decided to delay the opening of our production while our community continues to grieve. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims in this difficult time.”
Encore will postpone the opening of Down Dangerous Passes Road until April 19. Any patrons who have already purchased tickets may contact the Sudbury Theatre Centre box office at 705-674-8381 ext. 21 for a full refund.
“Art imitates life, and usually that is a wonderful thing and is why the arts are so powerful,” Rodya said. “However, in this circumstance, art would be hitting too close to home and we do not wish to inflict any more pain on a community that is already so grief-stricken.”
Additionally, Encore will dedicate the production to the memories of Alyssa McKeown, Jessica Chamberland, Torry McIntyre, and Cole Howard, all of whom were killed on Highway 69, and to Hillary Afelski, Keegan Melville, and Zabrina Rekowski, who died on Highway 17.
Thorneloe University, Encore's theatrical partner for its debut season, has established a bursary in the memory of Hillary Afelski, who lived in the Thorneloe student residence.
Donations are now being accepted. Additionally, a portion of the box office proceeds from Down Dangerous Passes Road will be donated to that bursary.
For more information, visit thorneloe.ca.
Posted by Arron Pickard
