By Matt Fetinko

Theatre NorthWest bringing back its first show

Jan 31, 2019 | 2:57 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — Theatre NorthWest is coming full circle with its newest upcoming production.

It will be putting on The Occupation of Heather Rose, a play about a young nurse working in a Northern Ontario reserve, starring Wells actress Julia Mackey. She will have four roles including Heather, a nurses aid, a teacher, and a male storekeeper.

“I always get nervous even though I’ve been doing this for many years now, every single time I get nervous,” she said. “It’s always an amazing experience to be part of the arts community and to tell important stories like this one.”

Although the play is over 30 years old, there are still a lot of relevant issues presented including water, lack of supplies, and suicide.

Viewers will notice various government documents pertaining to Aboriginal rights in the set, a reflection of what is expected to be a more responsive audience.

Housing Market

Real Estate experts say housing market "very affordable," but not everyone's convinced

20m ago

WHL PLAYOFFS

Cougars feeling great heading into highly anticipated series with Winterhawks

1h ago

Furever Friends

Litter of puppies in search of foster parents

3h ago

“The thing I love about the piece is that it’s got a beautiful mix of humour and also this experience that really occupies Heather’s mind. The word occupation means quite a few different things in the play,” Mackey said.

Written in the 1980s, and coming back to Prince George for 2019, some things have been adapted despite the theme of the show remaining constant.

“Especially because the play is still so relevant, so contemporary, there will be some things especially around language, terms have changed, but the urgency of the circumstances that were real at the time really haven’t [changed],” explained Director Dirk Van Stralen. “That’s what struck us the most when we first read it.”

Opening Night is February 8th and will run until the 24th.