Emmett Tinning – Contributor

From Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, the North Hatley Theatre Troupe presented their long-awaited debut performance, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. Directed and brought to life by Bishop’s professor Louise Thibault and performed by a tight-knit group made up entirely of Bishop’s students and alumni, Turner Studio Theatre was packed full for three nights of sold-out shows. Having started rehearsals in North Hatley only on Aug. 13, the troupe had just over three weeks to pull together Wilde’s infamous comedy. Full of hilarious banter, scheming and romance, the troupe delivered a show that brought a smile to the faces of guests of all ages and walks of life. 

Photo courtesy of Louise Thibault

After a last-minute venue swap, the cast and crew were relieved and grateful to be welcomed by Bishop’s Turner Studio Theatre space. Together, they designed a gorgeous set to carry the audience to a 19th-century manor house, a vine-filled rose garden and a luxury flat in London. Kasimir Macdougall, who took on the role of assistant to the director on top of acting with the group, said of the final product: “Earnest was a team of incredibly passionate and devoted individuals who came together to produce a product that exceeded expectation in such a short timeline. We’re incredibly proud of all we have done and are incredibly grateful for everyone who put work into this show and for everyone who enjoyed it”. Kasimir, who stepped into the leading role of Algernon Moncrieff, is a second-year student at Bishop’s, studying drama with a concentration in musical theatre. 

This connection between the Bishop’s drama department and community theatre in the Eastern Townships is one many hope to foster and strengthen in the future. Productions like this and groups like the North Hatley Theatre Troupe bring together residents from all over the townships and of all ages – not only to be a part of productions themselves but to indulge in the joyful act of experiencing and enjoying theatre as an audience member. When asked about her favourite part of the process, Director Louise Thibault reflected, “My favourite part was seeing all the ideas and characters develop into a great show… we believed we could produce a great show in a slim time frame, and we truly did. Great talent and hard work”. Cast and crew reflected on the sense of community fostered throughout the rehearsal process, bringing opportunity and excitement into the otherwise relatively stagnant summer months for Bishop’s students who remained in Lennoxville. The collaboration and connection required for passion projects like this are truly touching and never fail to make a beautiful impact on the arts and culture scene in any community, let alone such a unique setting as the Townships.