WHEN THAT I WAS
Written by John Mortimer & Edward Atienza
Creative team: Christopher Hunt, Vanessa Porteous, Simon Mallett, Terry Gunvordahl, Peter Moller, Tuled Giovanazzi.

Winner of two of Calgary’s Betty Mitchell awards, WHEN THAT I WAS is a one-man play featuring Christopher Hunt.

The story centres on Jack Rice, an old man who was once a part of Shakespeare’s acting company. Now the Puritans have closed the theatres, and the troupe is gone. Jack shares memories of better times, giving us an insider’s view of Shakespeare’s spirited company. While historical in its setting, the play has much to say about the present. It speaks of aging, of homelessness, and of the joyful role the arts can play in a community. As an aging artist lost in a world that has moved on, Jack Rice speaks to the need for beauty and meaning in a world that sometimes lacks both.

Performed in two 45 minute acts, WHEN THAT I WAS is funny, sad, literate, theatrical and very entertaining.The original 1980's production, which featured co-writer Atienza, toured to Ottawa, The Stratford Festival, Winnipeg and Calgary. Hunt plays over 20 different characters - Old Jack, his younger boyhood self, other theatre company members, King James, Queen Elizabeth, and Shakespeare himself.

“An intelligent and juicy reality-show highlight reel of Shakespeare’s life with fabulous acting and beautiful writing.”   CBC Radio

“To see it is to be captivated, enthralled and moved to tears. To miss it is just plain foolish.” Calgary Sun

“...deeply poignant...winningly played with sympathy and a sharp comic air by the ever-artful Christopher Hunt.”  Calgary Herald

WHEN THAT I WAS is modest in technical scope, and lends itself well to a tour. The design is flexible enough to play anywhere from fully-equipped theatres to smaller multi-use venues.
Recent presenters include: The Shakespeare Company (Calgary), Shadow Theatre (Edmonton), UNO Fest (Victoria), Ship's Company Theatre (Parrsboro, NS), Stettler Variety Arts, DaysArts (Daysland, AB), Northern Arts & Cultural Centre (Yellowknife, Inuvik, Fort Simpson, Hay River & Norman Wells, NT), Evergreen Cultural Centre (Coquitlam, BC), LDAC (Burns Lake, BC), Kitimat Concert Association, Capitol Theatre (Nelson, BC).
www.unclewillproductions.com

Showcase Artist: Pacific Contact 2013

Home Base: Alberta

Touring Schedule: Click here