Robert Winslow, 4th Line Theatre Founder and Director of The Housekeeper
Plays at the 4thline are all original, Canadian stories, many of them rooted close to home.
Most plays showcase the creativity and inspiration of the company founder, Rob Winslow, and audiences at the theatre’s July production will be treated to another original play written by Rob Winslow and Ian McLachlan. This pair frequently collaborate and this will be their fourth playin a series about the Barnardo children and their journeys in their new Canadian communities.
Set in 1955, The Housekeeper continues to explore the life of one of the Barnardo children, Walter White, who was first introduced to 4thLine Theatre audiences in the original 2014 play called Doctor Barnardo’s Children. Walter is now a widower living on a substantial farm on Carmel Line south of Millbrook. His children believe he needs domestic help, and a young woman from Leamington arrives to take up the position. Eleanor Gwyn arrives in Millbrook looking to make a fresh start in a new community, but her beauty, confidence and modern views of the world draw both support and suspicion. At first she rents a room next door to her employer, but soon moves into the farmhouse, stoking rumours and innuendos about her past and concerns about her intentions that are exacerbated by secrets that some are determined to expose.
Longtime residents might recognize a local person among the characters, but it does not require inside information to appreciate the story. Everyone will recognize the personalities these characters embody, from the nosy neighbour to the lovestruck teen and the progressive, modern woman trying to make a life of her own.
Most 4thLine Theatre plays take three to four years from their creation to their performance, but this particular play has been ready to launch since the pandemic. Winslow is also directing this production and looks forward to seeing it launch.
The play features twelve volunteer actors and eight professionals and scheduling rehearsals around the end of school celebrations for the graduating high school students has been challenging .Another rehearsal challenge stems from the physical action in the play. While some productions in the past have included complicated fight scenes requiring careful choreography and rehearsals, in The Housekeeper the physical interaction required a different kind of training. There is flirting, dancing and even a kiss or two, requiring mandatory training to ensure all actors were comfortable with the intimate physical interaction required in their roles. The romantic interaction remains quite tame by modern standards, but this play bears an advisory for mature content and is recommended for audiences of sixteen years and older.
The story is a combination of mystery and romance, with a healthy dose of humour which is typical Winslow fare. While it is set in the past, it is a story that is relevant today as we welcome newcomers to our community. It encourages us to embrace the energy, enthusiasm and richness of their traditions as we encourage them to share our own. It’s a Canadian thing to do.
The Housekeeper previews on Tuesday, and Wednesday July 1stand 2nd, with opening night scheduled for July 3rd.Performances run from Tuesday to Saturdays starting at 6pm until July19th.For more information or to book tickets, visitwww.4thlinetheatre.on.ca or call the Box Office at 705-932-4445.