Pine Ride School’s spring drama this week takes audience members on a journey into a fantastical medieval world.
The Winkler school brings A Tale of Two Squires to the stage this Wednesday, May 6, and Thursday, May 7.
Written by teacher Patrick Derksen, the play follows aspiring knights Oliver and Rolanda, who come from two very different worlds—one where men rule and another where women hold all the power. When the magical barrier separating the two realms mysteriously disappears, it’s up to these squires and their eccentric allies to save the day.
Bringing this show to life has been a blast, share the cast.
Karina Hernaez, Gr. 8, makes her theatrical debut playing Oliver.
“I was very surprised when I got one of the main roles,” she says, noting her favourite part of the experience thus far has been the opportunity to “express myself in a different person’s shoes, along with my friends. It’s very fun.”
“It’s a very interesting storyline,” Hernaez adds. “There’s a lot of comedic parts.”
And it has a message she feels will resonate with audience members.
“That you should always follow your dreams, and freedom is the most precious thing anyone can have.”
Taking on the other leading role of Rolanda is Gr. 7 student Laura Colares Gaubert, who aspires to be an actor when she grows up.
“I was definitely aiming for the lead,” she shares, “and this just felt like such a fun opportunity.
“When they put up the character descriptions and the play description, I saw Rolanda was a squire, strong-willed and spirited, I said, ‘That sounds like me.’
“There’s a lot of humour but a lot of real-life problems too,” Colares Gaubert says. “This energetic, fun cast really brings everything together.”
Why come see the show?
“Why wouldn’t you?” asks Sienna Pratt, Gr. 6, who plays Sandra, Oliver’s best friend. “All the people that are in this play have worked really hard to work towards being their character.”
They also all bring a little bit of themselves to their role, she notes, “and it makes the play a lot more interesting and memorable.”
Sawyer Friesen, Gr. 5, playing Gramps and one of the youngest members of the cast, sums it up:
“Come and watch it—you can’t lose!”
Showings are at the school Wednesday at 7 p.m. and Thursday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $5.
