The fateful story of man's journey to the South Pole will unfold on stage next month when Innisfail Town Theatre presents Terra Nova.
It is a play written by Ted Tally, which derives its title from the name of the ship that brought a British team, lead by Captain Robert Falcon Scott, to the Antarctic. It is an epic story of heroism and defeat based on Scott's journals and letters he wrote during his quest to be the first to reach the South Pole.
Innisfail Town Theatre (ITT) is presenting the play in April with a six-man, one-woman cast comprising a mix of ITT veterans and newcomers. Both cast members and volunteers have been busy preparing for the production including learning scripts, designing and building sets, and creating and sewing costumes.
The play recounts Scott's famed but ill-fated expedition to the Antarctic in the winter of 1911-12, when he was one of two explorers engaged in a race to the bottom of the earth. One was Englishman Scott; the other was Norwegian Roald Amundsen. Both men were determined to be the first to plant their nation's flag at the South Pole.
“It ended up being a race for the (south) pole,” said Greg Bennett, director of Terra Nova. “When they arrived in Antarctica they found out shortly after that the Norwegians were there as well to make a dash for the pole.
“This was the third attempt for the British to reach the South Pole,” he added.
The play, set against the stark and icy backdrop of the polar wasteland, explores the themes of pride, courage, patriotism, heroism and survival, and recalls the challenges and hardships faced by Scott and his team.
The drama gives an historical account of Scott and his team and is based on historical facts, noted Bennett.
“It lays out the basic history of what happened, but it's more of an exploration of why they failed,” explained Bennett. “It was the pride of the British and the methods in which the two teams tried to achieve the same goal.”
Innisfail patrons will be able to enjoy eight dinner theatre performances of Terra Nova on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from April 14 to 30 at The Ol' Moose Hall.
There will be one general performance on Thursday, April 14. Doors will open at 6 p.m. each night.
Tickets for Terra Nova can be purchased at The Leg Man in downtown Innisfail. For more information visit www.innisfailtowntheater.ca or Innisfail Town Theatre on Facebook.
With files from Jackie Moorehouse.
