Cranbrook Community Theatre is bringing one of history’s most enduring murder mysteries to the stage this October with Sharon Pollock’s Governor General’s Literary Award-winning play Blood Relations.
Directed by Amy Dettling, the production explores the story of Lizzie Borden and the 1892 murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Mass.
Borden was charged with the murders of Andrew and Abby Borden but was acquitted in 1893. The killings remain unsolved.
Rather than simply retelling the crime, Blood Relations examines family, gender, repression, power and the enduring question of whether Borden was responsible for the killings.
Pollock approaches the question through a play within a play. Years after Borden’s acquittal, Lizzie and an actress revisit the events leading up to the murders. As the actress assumes the role of Lizzie, the boundaries between memory, performance and truth begin to blur.
For Dettling, directing the production also carries a personal connection to Pollock.
“Sharon Pollock was a mentor to me when I was an emerging theatre artist in Calgary, and her encouragement had a lasting impact on me, particularly as a young woman finding my voice in theatre,” said Dettling. “Coming back to Blood Relations now, I’m struck by how much is happening beneath the surface of this story. Yes, it’s about Lizzie Borden and an unsolved double murder, but it’s also about the expectations placed on women, the consequences of having very little control over your own life, and the difference between what society believes a woman should be and who she actually is. It is an incredible privilege to bring Sharon’s work to the CCT stage.”
The production features Tinna Gunn as Miss Lizzie and Bridget, Nikki Van Boeyen as the Actress and Miss Lizzie, Megan Stewart as Emma, Michael Prestwich as Mr. Borden, Marnee Bellavance as Mrs. Borden, Rory Bruce as Harry and Michael McLeod as Dr. Patrick and Defense.
CCT describes the show as an intimate, atmospheric production inspired by the Borden household and Fall River in 1892.
The production opens Friday, Oct. 16 at the Studio/Stage Door, 11 11th Ave. S., and closes with a Halloween performance Saturday, Oct. 31. CCT’s website confirms the venue and opening date.
Performances are scheduled for Oct. 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31, with Sunday matinees Oct. 18 and 25.
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