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3 clusters · 9 sources · 10 days · First seen · Last updated

Shawnigan Players Shakespeare Festival

Overview

In late July 2026 the community theatre group Shawnigan Players presented two Shakespeare productions as part of the Cowichan Valley Shakespeare Festival. On July 28 they opened a full‑length staging of *Richard III* under first‑time director Nima Foell, with Svea Young as Richard and a supporting cast that included Roland Grahame, Layne Kriwoken and Kate Steele. The production highlighted themes of power, betrayal and moral choice and was managed by stage manager Sarah Chapeskie.

Three days later, on July 31, the troupe launched the 15th season of the festival with *Taming of the Shrew*, directed by Alex Gallacher. The show emphasized the play‑within‑a‑play opening and framed the courtship of Petruchio (Connor Lachmanec) and Katherina (Jessica Lyric) as a contemporary love narrative.

The *Richard III* production returned on August 5 at the rural Gem O’ The Isle Farm, co‑directed by Rob Foell and featuring a cast of 37 actors. Reviewers praised the atmospheric setting among orchard blooms and the strong performances, underscoring the troupe’s commitment to delivering both tragedy and comedy to local audiences.

Entities

Shawnigan Players · Svea Young · Nima Foell · Cowichan Valley Shakespeare Festival · Petruchio

Timeline

  1. 22 days ago

    [CULTURE] 5 sources
    Shawnigan Players stage Shakespeare's Richard III in British Columbia

    Shawnigan Players opened their Shakespeare Richard III production on Aug 5, 2026 at Gem O’ The Isle Farm, directed by Nima Foell and starring Svea Young as Richard.

  2. 29 days ago

    [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Shawnigan Players stage 'Taming of the Shrew' for 15th Cowichan Valley Shakespeare Festival

    The Shawnigan Players staged *Taming of the Shrew* on July 31, 2026, celebrating the 15th Cowichan Valley Shakespeare Festival, with director Alex Gallacher emphasizing a love‑focused interpretation.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Shawnigan Players stage Shakespeare's Richard III in Cowichan Valley

    Shawnigan Players performed Shakespeare's Richard III in Cowichan Valley, directed by Nima Foell with a cast led by Svea Young, highlighting themes of power and betrayal.

Sources

aldergrovestar.com · chemainusvalleycourier.ca · evertonfc.com · futuremedianews.com.na · kjjy.com · lakecowichangazette.com · silverscreencapture.com · southwhidbeyrecord.com · stagemagazine.org

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history