The Portal Players Dramatic Society is hoping to raise some funds by bringing back their award-winning production of The Pillowman to the Capitol Theatre for two days this weekend.
The theatre club will be headed to Theatre BC’s provincial Mainstage Festival in Chilliwack this July after winning "Best Production" at the the North Island Zone Festival. It's the first time since the Portal Players' inception in 1979 that they have won the coveted award.
But the Portal Players face a "daunting budget" to attend and represent the Alberni Valley at Mainstage. The cost will be approximately $21,000 for ferry costs, accommodations, gas, a truck rental and performance royalties.
To help raise funds, the Portal Players are bringing The Pillowman back to the Capitol Theatre for two shows on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. both nights and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at www.atthecapitol.org or at the box office on show nights.
The Pillowman takes place in a totalitarian state and tells the story of a writer named Katurian (played by "Best Actor" winner Cydney Pedersen), who is arrested and interrogated by two detectives (played by Darien Edgeler and Brendan Rice) about a spate of murders that bear similarities to his gruesome short stories.
The black comedy contains explicit language, violence and mentions of suicide, rape and murder. The show is for mature audiences only and minors must have a guardian present to attend the show.
For those unable to attend the shows, the Portal Players are also accepting donations. There is a donation link on their website at www.atthecapitol.org. Tax receipts can be provided upon request.