Henry James’ century-old gothic thriller The Turn of the Screw will have audiences squirming in their seats with fear in an eerie adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher at the Akokiniskway Gallery in Rosebud, April 25 to 27.
Rimbey’s Alysa van Haastert, whose Rosebud Theatre credits include: A Bright Particular Star, The Road to Mecca, Christmas in Wales, stars as the governess in this tension filled production of The Turn of the Screw, which she is producing as her final project at Rosebud School of the Arts.
“I wanted to do something that wasn’t like anything anyone has every done or seen in Rosebud,” explains van Haastert.
“Ghost stories scare me but they also intrigue me. I love it when my imagination gets buzzing. I love to be taken on a ride with a story — not nowing what to expect and then being totally surprised. This is that kind of story. It will leave you wanting more.”
When a young governess travels to a remote English country manor to care for two orphaned children she hardly suspects the frightening events that are about to unfold. But as the days continue she comes to fear that the ghosts of her predecessor, Miss Jessel, and her lover, Peter Quint, are trying to use the children to continue their relationship from beyond the grave. Will the evil spirits succeed in taking control of her young charges, or is it all simply a product of the governess’s fevered imagination?
Coming along for this wild ride is Rosebud Theatre favourite Nathan Schmidt (The Secret Garden, Oliver!, Damien) who deftly maneuvers between four characters in the show, including Mrs. Grose, an elderly housekeeper and Miles, a 10-year-old boy.
Under the skillful direction of Karl Sine (The Revenge of the Space Pandas, Rosebud School of the Arts; We Won’t Pay, We Won’t Pay, Rosebud Theatre; Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, Loudly Whispered Theatre) the two actors masterfully render this story that will rivet you to your seat paralyzed with fear as your imagination and paranoia kick into overdrive.
Due to mature subject matter and the intense nature of the show, The Turn of the Screw is not deemed to be suitable for children and young adults under 14 years of age.