The National Arts Centre, English Theatre Season for 1997-98 has been announced by Gil Osborne, Artistic Director. "Our theme this year is 'Get Into Character', and our audience will get the chance to meet a wide variety of characters," says Osborne.

There are five plays in the Theatre Stage Season:

Master Class by Terrence McNally, directed by Gil Osborne, and co-produced by the Manitoba Theatre Centre, this will be the first Canadian production of the piece. Preview: Oct. 22, opens: Oct 23, closes: Nov. 8, 1997.

Othello by William Shakespeare, directed by Michael Langham a co-production with Citadel Theatre, Edmonton, Alberta. Preview: Dec 3, opens: Dec 4, closes Dec. 20.

Claptrap by Tom Wood, directed by Bob Baker, a co-production with Canadian Stage, Toronto, ON. A Canadian play about a company of temperamental actors who literally must fight for their lives to survive the tyranny of a maniacal Artistic Director. Preview: Feb. 4, opens: Feb. 5, closes: Feb. 21, 1998. Wingfield Unbound by Dan Needles, starring Ned Beattie. Next in the Wingfield Saga that premiered at Stratford Festival theatre, summer '97. Preview March 18, opens: March 19, closes: April 4.

High Life by Lee MacDougall, starring Randy Hughson and Ron White. Winner of the 1996 Dora Mavor Moore award for outstanding new drama. Preview: May 13, opens May 14, closes May 30.

There are four plays in the Studio Stage Series:

Vigil by Morris Panych, directed by Patrick McDonald. A black comedy by Vancouver BC playwright Morris Panych. Winner of three Vancouver Jessie awards in 1996, including outstanding original play. Opens: Sept. 23, closes: Oct. 4, 1997.

Divinity Bash, written and directed by Bryden MacDonald, a co-production with Neptune Theatre, Halifax, NS. Opens Jan. 27, closes: Feb. 7, 1998.

Streets of Blood, created and performed by Ronnie Burkett, music and sound design by Cathy Nosaty.

-- By Ray Ellicock
Theatre News Canada