The focus of this production of TOP GIRLS was established at the outset as a work-in-progress. To give seven members of the drama department the opportunity to work on a technically complex script within a short space of time, the emphasis has been in the process rather than the finsihed product. I have not, for instance, asked for English accents, believing their imposition often hinders rather than releases a characterization, even for professional actors; instead I have encouraged our cast to assimilate their characters' particular speech patterns and qualities of language - an accent would then be the next step. Similarly, a freedom from the normal constraints of settings has enabled us to take a more experimental approach to the design of the performing space.
The music from this production, apart form the self explanatory Eurythmics/Aretha Franklin "Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves," is drawn from Stravinsky's Pucinella, his 1919 reworking - or rather - re-composition - of Pergolesi's 19th-century songs. The parallel with TOP GIRLS (1982) is, I think, appropriate.
C.G. McFarland, Director
Winter 1986 Production
By Caryl Churchill
Directed by: Charles McFarland
Performances: February 11-15, 1986
Venue: Hagey Hall 180, Humanities Building
Cast
Marlene - Kathryn De Lory
Isabella Bird, Joyce, Mrs. Kidd - Elizabeth Shannon
Lady Nijo, Win - Annette Stokes-Harris
Dull Gret, Angie - Susan J. Schmidt
Pope Joan, Louise - Patricia Koenig
Patient Griselda, Jeanine, Nell - Carissa Cameron
Waitress, Kit, Shona - Cathi Rainville
Production
Director/Design - Charles McFarland
Costumes - Laura Astwood et. company
Lighting Design - James Milburn
Production Manager - Adam Qualter
Stage Manager - Laura Pfanner
Assistant Director - Bruce Beaton
Assistant Stage Manager - Rhonda Riche
Sound - Andy Watt
Dave Manning
Properties - Dave Horton
Jennifer O' Connor
Electrics - Geoff Bennett
Dave Brubacher
Andrea Whitehead
House Manager -Mary Rossely
Poster - Karen Fletcher
Special Thanks
Collins House of Formals, Kitchener
Happy Harry Merchandise Warehouse
St. David's Junior High School
St. Jude's School
McGuinness Landing
Alex Kordics
Jim Nicholson
Brad Montague
Albert Ing & Food Services
Henry Hornberger & Bar Services
The FASS Theatre Company
The Graduate Student Association
The Arts Student Union
The Theatre Student Union
The History Undergraduate Society
Frank Holte, Stratford Festival